The Hebrew word gâʼâh, represented by H1342, is a primitive root meaning to mount up. From this, it carries the general sense to rise, and is used figuratively to mean be majestic, grow up, increase, be risen, or to triumph. It appears 7 times across 5 unique verses, often describing a significant or glorious increase.
In its most notable use, H1342 describes the glorious triumph of the LORD after the parting of the sea. In the song of Moses, the word is repeated for emphasis: "he hath triumphed gloriously" Exodus 15:1. Miriam's song echoes this exact phrase, cementing the term's connection to divine victory Exodus 15:21. The word is also used to describe physical increase, as seen in Ezekiel's vision where the temple waters had risen so high they could not be crossed Ezekiel 47:5. In a natural context, it asks if a rush can grow up without mire Job 8:11, while in a personal one, Job uses it to describe how his affliction increaseth Job 10:16.
Several related words help clarify the actions and contexts associated with H1342:
- H7891 shîyr (to sing): This is the action prompted by God's glorious triumph. In Exodus, the people sing because the LORD "hath triumphed gloriously" Exodus 15:1.
- H7411 râmâh (to hurl): This word describes the specific act that demonstrates God's triumph in Exodus. He has triumphed because the horse and rider "hath he thrown into the sea" Exodus 15:21.
- H7685 sâgâh (to enlarge; grow (up), increase): This word is used in parallel with gâʼâh to describe the growth of a flag plant, reinforcing the theme of natural increase and growing up Job 8:11.
- H6679 tsûwd (to lie alongside (i.e. in wait); by implication, to catch an animal (figuratively, men); chase, hunt): In Job's lament, his increasing affliction is paired with the feeling that God huntest him like a fierce lion Job 10:16.
The conceptual weight of H1342 is demonstrated in its varied applications, linking physical increase to divine power.
- Glorious Triumph: The primary theological use is to define God's victory as not just a win, but a majestic and glorious rising over His enemies. This is the central theme of the song of deliverance at the sea (Exodus 15:1, Exodus 15:21).
- Natural and Supernatural Increase: The word connects the power of God to the natural world. It can refer to plants that grow up Job 8:11 or visionary waters that have risen to an impassable depth Ezekiel 47:5, showing a spectrum from the ordinary to the miraculous.
- Overwhelming Power: Whether in the context of salvation or trial, gâʼâh signifies a power that mounts up to become overwhelming. This is seen in God's triumph over Pharaoh and in Job's description of his ever-increasing suffering Job 10:16.
In summary, H1342 is a potent word that conveys the idea of "mounting up" or "rising." While used sparingly, it carries significant meaning, describing everything from the natural growth of a plant Job 8:11 to the overwhelming increase of affliction Job 10:16. Its most powerful use is in defining the majestic and glorious nature of God's triumph, linking His supreme power to the tangible concept of a rising force that cannot be stopped Exodus 15:1.
TRV