from גָּאָה; lofty; figuratively, arrogant; proud.
Transliteration:gêʼeh
Pronunciation:gay-eh'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H1343 (גֵּאֶה, *gêʼeh*) derives from the root verb גָּאָה `{{H1342}}`, which fundamentally means "to rise up," "to be exalted," or "to grow." In its primary, literal sense, *gêʼeh* can denote something "lofty" or "high." However, its predominant usage in the biblical text is figurative, carrying a strong negative connotation. It describes a state of being "arrogant," "haughty," or "proud." This is not a neutral sense of self-respect or dignity, but rather an inflated, self-exalting attitude that often manifests as defiance towards God or disdain for others. It implies an overestimation of one's own importance, strength, or wisdom, leading to self-sufficiency and a lack of reliance upon the Divine.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *gêʼeh* appears in contexts that consistently highlight its negative implications, particularly in relation to God's character and His dealings with humanity. It is often associated with the wicked and those who oppose God's will.
In the book of Job, the term describes those whom God intends to humble: "Look on every one that is proud, and bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place" [[Job 40:12]]. Here, *gêʼeh* is explicitly linked with the "wicked" and is the target of divine abasement, emphasizing God's sovereignty over human arrogance.
The Psalms frequently portray the *gêʼeh* as the adversaries of the righteous and the objects of God's judgment. For instance, [[Psalm 119:21]] states, "You rebuke the proud, the cursed ones, who stray from your commandments." This verse directly connects pride with disobedience and a state of being cursed by God. Similarly, [[Psalm 10:2]] laments how "In pride the wicked hotly pursue the poor." This shows *gêʼeh* as a motivating factor for oppression and injustice.
In the prophetic literature, *gêʼeh* is a characteristic of nations or individuals destined for divine judgment. [[Isaiah 2:12]] declares, "For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low." This passage underscores that pride, whether individual or national, invites God's leveling judgment, signifying its antithetical nature to God's own exalted holiness. The judgment of Babylon is also linked to its pride in [[Isaiah 13:11]].
Proverbs often contrasts *gêʼeh* with wisdom and humility, warning against its destructive consequences. [[Proverbs 16:18]] famously states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." While the specific word *gêʼeh* is not in this verse, the concept of "haughty" (related to גָּבַהּ `{{H1361}}`) aligns perfectly with its semantic range, indicating a consistent biblical understanding of pride as a precursor to ruin.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of pride, as embodied by *gêʼeh*, is deeply interwoven with several other Hebrew terms and theological concepts:
* **גָּאָה `{{H1342}}` (ga'ah):** The root verb, meaning "to rise up," "to be exalted." While the verb itself can be neutral or even positive (e.g., God's majesty), its derivative *gêʼeh* almost exclusively carries the negative connotation of arrogant self-exaltation.
* **גָּאוֹן `{{H1346}}` (ga'on):** A noun meaning "majesty," "pride," or "arrogance." Like its root, it can refer to God's glorious majesty (positive) or human haughtiness (negative), depending on context. The negative sense of *ga'on* is very close to *gêʼeh*.
* **גָּבַהּ `{{H1361}}` (gavah):** "To be high," "exalted," also "haughty." This verb and its derivatives are frequently used as synonyms for or in conjunction with *gêʼeh* to describe arrogance and loftiness.
* **זֵד `{{H2086}}` (zed):** "Presumptuous," "arrogant." This term often describes deliberate, defiant sin, which is a direct outflow of pride.
* **Antonyms:** The primary theological antithesis to *gêʼeh* is humility. Key terms include עָנָו `{{H6035}}` (*anav*), meaning "humble" or "meek," and שָׁפָל `{{H8213}}` (*shaphal*), meaning "low" or "humble." The consistent biblical call is to humility before God, in direct opposition to the spirit of *gêʼeh*.
Thematic connections include rebellion against God, self-sufficiency, idolatry (placing oneself or one's achievements in God's place), and the inevitable divine judgment that follows such attitudes.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H1343 *gêʼeh* is profound, touching upon the nature of God, the human condition, and the dynamics of divine judgment and grace.
1. **An Affront to God's Sovereignty:** *Gêʼeh* represents a direct challenge to God's supreme authority and unique exaltation. When humans are *gêʼeh*, they implicitly or explicitly deny their creaturely dependence on God, seeking to elevate themselves to a position only God can rightfully occupy. This is a primary manifestation of sin, echoing the original temptation to "be like God."
2. **The Object of Divine Opposition:** The Bible consistently portrays God as actively opposing the proud. While God is truly high and exalted, His exaltation is righteous and just. Human *gêʼeh*, being unrighteous self-exaltation, provokes His righteous indignation and judgment. This principle is succinctly captured in the New Testament, drawing from Old Testament themes: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" [[James 4:6]], [[1 Peter 5:5]].
3. **A Precursor to Destruction:** The consistent biblical message is that *gêʼeh* leads to a fall. It blinds individuals and nations to reality, preventing them from acknowledging their limitations, seeking wisdom, or repenting of sin. This spiritual blindness inevitably leads to destructive consequences, both temporal and eternal.
4. **The Necessity of Humility:** The pervasive condemnation of *gêʼeh* implicitly underscores the supreme value of humility. True wisdom and a right relationship with God are predicated upon a humble spirit that acknowledges God's greatness and one's own dependence. Humility is not self-abasement but a truthful assessment of one's place before a holy God.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H1343 (גֵּאֶה, *gêʼeh*) primarily denotes a destructive and arrogant pride. While its root suggests "loftiness," its biblical usage overwhelmingly points to a haughty, self-exalting attitude that stands in direct opposition to God. This form of pride is consistently portrayed as a fundamental aspect of human sin, manifesting as rebellion against divine authority and often leading to oppression of others. The biblical narrative unequivocally establishes *gêʼeh* as an object of God's severe judgment, demonstrating that such human arrogance invariably incurs divine opposition and leads to ultimate downfall. Consequently, the concept of *gêʼeh* highlights the vital theological truth that humility, rather than self-exaltation, is the indispensable posture for humanity in its relationship with the sovereign God.
TRV