What Does It Mean To Exalt God

Overview

Exalting God is a theological concept found primarily in the Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—that refers to the act of praising, honoring, and magnifying God’s name, character, and works. The term derives from the Latin exaltare (“to raise high”) and in biblical contexts often translates Hebrew words such as rum (to lift up) and gadal (to make great), as well as Greek words like hypsoō (to lift up) and doxazō (to glorify). Exalting God involves both verbal expressions—such as hymns, prayers, and declarations—and lifestyle actions that reflect reverence for God’s sovereignty. It is not about increasing God’s intrinsic glory, which is understood as infinite and unchanging, but about human acknowledgment and celebration of that glory.

History / Background

The practice of exalting God has deep roots in ancient Israelite worship, as recorded in the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament). The Psalms frequently call believers to “exalt the Lord our God” (Psalm 99:5) and to “magnify the Lord with me” (Psalm 34:3). In the prophetic books, exaltation is often linked to God’s acts of deliverance and judgment, as seen in Isaiah 2:11–17, where human pride is humbled and God alone is exalted. In the New Testament, the concept is central to Christology: Jesus is described as being exalted by God after his resurrection (Philippians 2:9), and believers are encouraged to exalt God through their lives (1 Peter 2:9). In Islam, exalting God (takbir—saying “Allahu Akbar,” God is greatest) is a fundamental pillar of worship, recited in daily prayers and during festivals. Throughout history, theologians such as Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, and John Calvin have expounded on exaltation as both a duty and a delight of the human soul, emphasizing that it aligns the creature with the Creator’s purpose.

Importance and Impact

Exalting God influences individual spirituality and corporate worship across denominations and religions. In Christian liturgy, hymns like “How Great Thou Art” and “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” are direct expressions of exaltation. In Jewish synagogues, recitations such as the Kaddish and Hallel psalms magnify God’s name. In Islamic practice, the adhan (call to prayer) and the daily salah are structured around declarations of God’s greatness. Theologically, exalting God is seen as a response to divine revelation and grace; it fosters humility in worshippers and reinforces a worldview centered on God’s authority. Socially, shared acts of exaltation strengthen community bonds and transmit religious identity across generations. The concept also appears in interfaith dialogues as a common ground for understanding the nature of worship and reverence.

Why It Matters

For believers today, exalting God serves as a counterbalance to self-centeredness and materialism. It redirects focus from human achievements to divine goodness, providing a framework for gratitude and purpose. In times of personal or collective crisis, exalting God can be a source of comfort and hope, as it affirms a transcendent perspective. Practically, it encourages ethical behavior—since exalting God implies living in a way that honors Him, it often motivates acts of charity, justice, and compassion. Understanding what it means to exalt God also helps individuals engage more authentically in worship, whether in private prayer or public liturgy, and deepens their theological literacy.

Common Misconceptions