the same as גֵּוָה; exaltation; (figuratively) arrogance; lifting up, pride.
Transliteration:gêvâh
Pronunciation:gay-vaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term גֵּוָה (transliterated *gêvâh*, Strong's `{{H1466}}`) stems from the root גָּבַהּ (`{{H1361}}`), meaning "to be high," "to be exalted," or "to be lofty." While the root can denote a neutral or even positive sense of elevation (e.g., a high mountain, a lifted hand), *gêvâh* itself almost exclusively carries a negative connotation in its nominal form. Its core meaning is "exaltation," but this is quickly extended figuratively to "arrogance," "haughtiness," or "pride." It describes an internal state of being lifted up in one's own estimation, leading to an inflated sense of self-importance and often contempt for others or defiance toward God. It is not merely a state of being high, but the *attitude* of being high, particularly when that attitude is unwarranted or rebellious.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *gêvâh* appears predominantly in the wisdom literature and prophetic books, consistently portraying a negative spiritual and moral condition.
In the book of Proverbs, *gêvâh* is frequently presented as a precursor to downfall and a characteristic of the foolish. [[Proverbs 16:18]] famously states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall," where *gêvâh* is the "pride" that precedes ruin. Similarly, [[Proverbs 18:12]] connects a "haughty heart" (*gêvâh*) with destruction, contrasting it with humility as a path to honor. [[Proverbs 29:23]] reiterates this theme, declaring that "a man’s pride will bring him low." These passages underscore that self-exaltation, far from leading to true elevation, inevitably leads to humiliation and ruin.
The prophets utilize *gêvâh* to describe the sin of nations and individuals who have defied God. Isaiah frequently condemns the *gêvâh* of humanity, particularly in the context of divine judgment. [[Isaiah 2:11]] and [[Isaiah 2:17]] declare that "the haughtiness of man shall be humbled," indicating God's intention to bring low all human pride. In [[Isaiah 9:9]], the pride of Ephraim and Samaria is cited as a reason for their impending judgment. Moab's excessive pride (*gêvâh*) is a recurring theme in prophetic condemnations, as seen in [[Isaiah 16:6]] and [[Jeremiah 48:29]], where it is associated with insolence and arrogance. Jeremiah also laments the "great pride" (*gêvâh*) of Judah and Jerusalem in [[Jeremiah 13:9]], prophesying its ruin.
Ezekiel employs *gêvâh* to diagnose the spiritual malady of Sodom in [[Ezekiel 16:49]], listing "pride" alongside "fullness of food" and "abundance of idleness" as her iniquity. This highlights *gêvâh* as a sin of self-sufficiency and disregard for the needy. In the enigmatic passage concerning the king of Tyre, [[Ezekiel 28:17]] uses *gêvâh* to describe how "your heart was lifted up because of your beauty," leading to corruption and downfall, a passage often interpreted as alluding to the prideful fall of Satan.
Psalm 73:6 uses *gêvâh* to describe the wicked, stating, "Therefore pride is their necklace; violence covers them like a garment," illustrating how pride becomes an intrinsic and defining characteristic of those who reject God's ways.
Across these occurrences, *gêvâh* consistently denotes an illicit, self-inflated sense of worth or status that stands in opposition to God's sovereignty and leads to divine judgment and ultimate humiliation.
### Related Words & Concepts
*Gêvâh* exists within a rich semantic field of Hebrew words related to height, exaltation, and pride.
* **`{{H1361}}` (גָּבַהּ, *gābah*)**: The verbal root from which *gêvâh* derives, meaning "to be high," "exalted." While *gābah* can be neutral or positive (e.g., God's exalted name), *gêvâh* almost exclusively captures the negative human attitude.
* **`{{H1363}}` (גֹּבַהּ, *gōvah*)**: A noun closely related to *gêvâh*, also meaning "height," "loftiness," and "pride." Often used interchangeably or in parallel with *gêvâh* to describe arrogance (e.g., [[Psalm 10:4]]).
* **`{{H7312}}` (רוּם, *rûm*)**: "To be high," "to be lifted up," "to exalt." This verb can describe legitimate exaltation (e.g., God's exaltation, lifting up hands in worship) or illegitimate self-exaltation.
* **`{{H2086}}` (זָדוֹן, *zādôn*)**: "Presumption," "arrogance," "insolence." This term often implies a defiant, deliberate pride that leads to reckless action and open rebellion against God (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 17:12]], [[Psalm 19:13]]). While *gêvâh* describes the internal state, *zādôn* often describes the outward manifestation of that pride in action.
* **`{{H6146}}` (עַלְיָה, *ʿalyah*)**: While primarily meaning "upper chamber," it shares the root idea of "going up" or "being high," though its theological implications regarding pride are less direct.
*Gêvâh* particularly emphasizes the internal haughtiness and the puffed-up spirit, contrasting sharply with the humility and lowliness of spirit that God desires and blesses. It is a state of mind that inherently resists submission to divine authority.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *gêvâh* is profound, as it represents a core sin that undermines the very foundation of a right relationship with God.
1. **Rebellion Against God's Sovereignty**: Pride, as encapsulated by *gêvâh*, is fundamentally an act of self-deification. It is the human heart asserting its own autonomy and superiority, thereby challenging God's rightful place as the supreme authority. This spirit of self-exaltation is antithetical to the worship and submission due to the Creator.
2. **Antithesis to Humility**: The Bible consistently contrasts pride with humility, portraying the latter as the path to God's favor and true honor. While *gêvâh* leads to destruction, humility leads to exaltation by God (e.g., [[Proverbs 29:23]]). God's opposition to the proud is a consistent biblical principle, echoed in the New Testament (e.g., [[James 4:6]], [[1 Peter 5:5]]).
3. **Root of Other Sins**: *Gêvâh* is often presented as a foundational sin from which other transgressions spring. It can lead to oppression, injustice, disobedience, and a hardened heart that refuses to acknowledge sin or repent. The self-sufficiency inherent in pride blinds one to the need for God's grace and mercy.
4. **Divine Judgment**: A recurring theological truth associated with *gêvâh* is that God actively resists and humbles the proud. The downfall of individuals and nations marked by *gêvâh* serves as a powerful testament to God's justice and His commitment to establishing His own glory. The pattern of pride preceding a fall is a central theme of divine retribution in the Old Testament.
5. **Contrast with God's Exaltation**: While humans are condemned for *gêvâh*, God's own "lifting up" or "exaltation" (often described by related terms like *rûm* or *gābah*) is just, holy, and eternal. God's highness is inherent to His nature; human pride is a corrupted imitation and a usurpation of His prerogative.
### Summary
The Hebrew word גֵּוָה (*gêvâh*, `{{H1466}}`) signifies an "exaltation" that invariably morphs into "arrogance" or "pride" in the biblical context. It describes a dangerous internal state of self-importance and haughtiness that consistently draws divine disapproval and judgment. Across the wisdom literature and prophetic books, *gêvâh* is portrayed as a destructive force, leading to the inevitable downfall of individuals and nations who embrace it. Theologically, it represents a fundamental rebellion against God's sovereignty, standing in stark opposition to the humility that God desires and rewards. The consistent message is clear: self-exaltation through *gêvâh* is an affront to God and a direct path to humiliation and ruin.
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