from גָּאָה; the same as גַּאֲוָהxlit gaʻăvâh corrected to gaʼăvâh; {arrogance or majesty; by implication, (concretely) ornament}; excellent things, lifting up, majesty, pride, proudly, raging.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gêʼûwth**, represented by `{{H1348}}`, captures a powerful duality of meaning, encompassing both **majesty** and **arrogance**. It appears 8 times across 8 unique verses in the Bible. Derived from a root word for exaltation, its translations include "majesty," "pride," "raging," "lifting up," "proudly," and "excellent things," highlighting its use in both divine and human contexts.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H1348}}` is used to describe the magnificent glory of God as well as the downfall of human hubris. Positively, it depicts the Lord as being clothed with **majesty** as He reigns over a stable world [[Psalms 93:1]]. It also refers to the "excellent things" God has done, which should be sung about in all the earth [[Isaiah 12:5]]. Negatively, it describes the "crown of **pride**" of the drunkards of Ephraim [[Isaiah 28:1]] and the way the wicked speak **proudly** [[Psalms 17:10]]. It is also used to illustrate the power of nature, as in the **raging** of the sea, which God ultimately rules [[Psalms 89:9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{H1348}}` appears:
* `{{H5850}}` **ʻăṭârâh** (a crown): This term for a crown is directly linked to the negative sense of `{{H1348}}` in the "crown of **pride**" worn by the drunkards of Ephraim, an object of woe and judgment [[Isaiah 28:1]].
* `{{H4427}}` **mâlak** (to reign): This verb is foundational to the positive sense of `{{H1348}}`. God's **majesty** is His royal attire because He **reigneth** [[Psalms 93:1]], establishing a connection between His glory and His sovereign rule.
* `{{H7910}}` **shikkôwr** (drunkard): This word identifies those whose **pride** `{{H1348}}` is condemned. The "drunkards of Ephraim" are characterized by their "crown of **pride**," linking arrogance to a state of being overcome and spiritually intoxicated [[Isaiah 28:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1348}}` lies in its sharp contrast between divine glory and human sinfulness.
* **Divine Majesty vs. Human Arrogance:** The word is used to describe the inherent **majesty** of God, something He is clothed with [[Psalms 93:1]]. In direct contrast, it describes the foolish **pride** of humanity, as seen in Ephraim, which leads to their downfall. The wicked are those who will not **behold** the **majesty** of the LORD [[Isaiah 26:10]].
* **Sovereignty Over Chaos:** God's power is demonstrated in His ability to rule the "**raging**" `{{H1348}}` of the sea [[Psalms 89:9]]. This illustrates that even the most powerful and chaotic forces of creation are subject to His majestic authority.
* **Pride as the Subject of Judgment:** Human **pride** `{{H1348}}` is not a neutral quality but is explicitly targeted for judgment. The "crown of **pride**" is destined to be "trodden under **feet**" [[Isaiah 28:3]], showing that arrogance will be brought low by divine power.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1348}}` is a potent term that defines both the highest glory and the deepest flaw. It is the **majesty** of the Creator, who reigns in strength and does excellent things. It is also the corrupting **pride** of mankind and the untamed **raging** of the natural world. Through this single word, scripture powerfully illustrates the unbridgeable gap between God's magnificent, rightful exaltation and the arrogant pride that leads to judgment.
TRV