The Hebrew word gêʼ, represented by H1341, is a specific term for haughty or proud. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. This rarity makes its single usage particularly significant, highlighting a focused and intense description of arrogance.
The sole appearance of H1341 is in Isaiah's prophecy against a neighboring nation. The verse describes the reputation of Moab, stating, "We have heard H8085 of the pride H1347 of Moab H4124; he is very H3966 proud H1341: even of his haughtiness H1346, and his pride H1347, and his wrath H5678: but his lies H907 shall not be so" Isaiah 16:6. Here, H1341 is part of a cluster of terms used to emphasize the depth of Moab's offensive arrogance, which is linked to wrath and falsehood.
Several related words in the passage build a comprehensive picture of pride and its consequences:
- H1346 gaʼăvâh (arrogance or majesty; by implication, (concretely) ornament; excellency, haughtiness, highness, pride, proudly, swelling): This word is used in parallel with H1341 to describe Moab Isaiah 16:6. It can also carry a negative connotation, as in Proverbs 29:23 which states, "A man's pride H1346 shall bring him low."
- H1347 gâʼôwn (arrogancy, excellency(-lent), majesty, pomp, pride, proud, swelling): Also appearing twice in the description of Moab, this term is famously used in the warning, "Pride H1347 goeth before destruction" Proverbs 16:18.
- H5678 ʻebrâh (an outburst of passion; anger, rage, wrath): Moab's pride is directly connected to its wrath H5678 Isaiah 16:6. This same word is used to describe the divine judgment that pride provokes, as seen in "the day of the LORD'S wrath H5678" Zephaniah 1:18.
- H907 bad (a brag or lie; also a liar; liar, lie): The culmination of Moab's pride, haughtiness, and wrath is the declaration that "his lies H907 shall not be so" Isaiah 16:6, linking arrogance to ultimate futility and falsehood.
The theological weight of H1341 is tied directly to the biblical condemnation of pride.
- National Pride and Divine Judgment: The context of H1341 is the judgment of a nation, Moab, for its excessive pride. This theme is reinforced elsewhere, as in Jeremiah's prophecy that Moab "magnified himself against the LORD" Jeremiah 48:26.
- The Emptiness of Arrogance: The prophecy in Isaiah 16:6 dismisses Moab's proud claims as "lies H907". This establishes a key principle: human pride is based on a false perception of self-importance that God will ultimately expose and frustrate Isaiah 44:25.
- Pride as a Source of Wrath: The verse links Moab's pride directly to its "wrath H5678" Isaiah 16:6. This human outburst of passion stands in contrast to the righteous and decisive "wrath H5678 of the LORD" which is often directed against such hubris Isaiah 13:13.
In summary, while H1341 is used only once, its context provides a powerful and focused lesson. It acts as a sharp descriptor within a divine indictment against national pride. Paired with related terms for haughtiness, wrath, and lies, it illustrates the biblical principle that arrogance is an empty boast that invites divine judgment and is fundamentally opposed to the truth of God.
TRV