### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gâbôahh**, represented by `{{H1364}}`, describes that which is **elevated, powerful, or arrogant**. It appears 37 times across 32 unique verses in the Bible. Its meaning ranges from the literal, physical height of mountains and walls to the figurative, moral condition of being haughty, lofty, or proud.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H1364}}` is used to describe both physical objects and human attributes. Literally, it refers to the "high" hills covered by the flood [[Genesis 7:19]], the "high" walls of a fortified city [[Deuteronomy 28:52]], and the "high" mountains where idolatry was practiced [[Jeremiah 3:6]]. It can also denote physical stature, as when Saul was "higher" than any of the people [[1 Samuel 9:2]]. Figuratively, it carries a strong moral weight, often signifying arrogance. Hannah’s prayer warns against speaking "exceeding proudly" [[1 Samuel 2:3]], and the psalmist notes that the LORD knows the "proud" from afar [[Psalms 138:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concept of height and pride:
* `{{H1361}}` **gâbahh** (to soar, i.e. be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty): As the primitive root of `{{H1364}}`, this verb captures the action of becoming high or exalted. It is used to describe how God's ways are "higher" than human ways [[Isaiah 55:9]] and how a man's heart is "haughty" before destruction [[Proverbs 18:12]].
* `{{H6967}}` **qôwmâh** (height, stature): This noun often appears with `{{H1364}}` to refer specifically to physical size. When Samuel was assessing David's brothers, the LORD told him not to look at the "height (`{{H1364}}`) of his stature (`{{H6967}}`)" [[1 Samuel 16:7]].
* `{{H7311}}` **rûwm** (to be high actively, to rise or raise): This word describes the act of being raised or lifted up. It is used in the context of God being "exalted" above the heavens [[Psalms 57:5]] and in seeing the Lord on a throne that is "high" and lifted up [[Isaiah 6:1]].
* `{{H8217}}` **shâphâl** (depressed, literally or figuratively; base(-st), humble, low(-er, -ly)): This term functions as the direct opposite of `{{H1364}}`. The contrast is a key theme, as the LORD declares He will bring down the "high (`{{H1364}}`) tree" and exalt the "low (`{{H8217}}`) tree" [[Ezekiel 17:24]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1364}}` is significant, primarily serving as a warning against human pride.
* **The Sin of Haughtiness:** The word is consistently used to describe a posture of pride that God opposes. The eyes of the "lofty" will be humbled [[Isaiah 5:15]], and the "haughty" will be brought low [[Isaiah 10:33]].
* **God's Measure vs. Man's:** Scripture uses `{{H1364}}` to draw a sharp distinction between worldly and divine values. God explicitly rejects a king based on his "height" and stature, teaching that the LORD does not see as man sees but looks on the heart [[1 Samuel 16:7]].
* **The Great Reversal:** A central biblical doctrine is that God inverts human hierarchies. He promises to "abase him that is high" (`{{H1364}}`) and "exalt him that is low" (`{{H8217}}`) [[Ezekiel 21:26]]. This divine action of bringing down the "high tree" demonstrates God's sovereignty over all creation [[Ezekiel 17:24]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1364}}` is much more than a word for physical dimension. It serves as a powerful biblical symbol for the spiritual condition of pride and self-exaltation. Through its use, scripture repeatedly teaches that what is considered high and mighty by human standards is destined to be humbled by God, who alone is truly high and who gives grace to the lowly.
TRV