From meta (beyond) and airō (to lift). Raised up, elevated, suspended in air. Related to the concept of being lifted up or exalted.
The imagery of being raised up pervades Scripture. Jesus said, 'When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all people to myself' (John 12:32). This referred to the cross — the place where Christ was physically elevated became the means of universal spiritual drawing. God exalts the humble and humbles the exalted. The cross is the ultimate reversal: the place of shame becomes the place of glory.