Bible Dictionaries
Lift

Holman Bible Dictionary

To raise or elevate. 1. Hands were lifted in pronouncing a blessing (Leviticus 9:22 ). 2 . In ancient times as now, an oath required raising one's hand (Genesis 14:22; Exodus 6:8 , NAS margin; Deuteronomy 32:40 ). 3 . To lift a hand against someone is to attack or rebel against that one (2 Samuel 18:28; 2 Samuel 20:21; 1 Kings 11:26-27 ). 4 . To lift one's heel against someone is to deal treacherously (Psalm 41:9; John 13:18 ).

Several uses of lift must be viewed in light of the ancient requirement of prostrating oneself before a superior (Genesis 43:26; 1 Samuel 25:23 ). 5 . To lift up someone's head is to accept the person (Genesis 40:13; Psalm 3:3 ) or even exalt the person (Psalm 27:6 ). 6 . To lift up one's face is to appear bold and confident of acceptance (2 Samuel 2:22; Ezra 9:6 ). To lift up one's face may express a rejection of another's sovereignty (Judges 8:28 ). The lifting of God's face or countenance is a sign of favor (Numbers 6:26; Psalm 4:6 ). 7 . To lift up one's eyes or heart is to be haughty or prideful (Deuteronomy 8:14; 2 Kings 14:10; 2 Kings 19:22; 2 Chronicles 25:19; Proverbs 30:13; Isaiah 37:23 ). 8 . Eyes, hands, heart, and soul are frequently lifted up to God in fervent prayer (Psalm 25:1; Psalm 28:2; Psalm 63:4; Psalm 134:2; Psalm 141:2; Lamentations 2:19; Daniel 4:34; 1 Timothy 2:8 ). 9 . In John's Gospel, lifting up refers both to the lifting up of Jesus on the cross and to His exaltation (resurrection/ascension) (John 3:14; John 8:28; John 12:32 ,John 12:32,12:34 ).