(Aramaic) corresponding to גֵּוָה; {exaltation; (figuratively) arrogance}; pride.
Transliteration:gêvâh
Pronunciation:gay-vaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term H1467 (גֵּוָה, *gêvâh*) is derived from a root meaning "to be high" or "to be exalted." Its primary semantic range encompasses concepts of "exaltation," "loftiness," and "height." However, in its biblical usage, particularly within the book of Daniel, it consistently carries a strong figurative and negative connotation, referring to "arrogance," "haughtiness," and "pride." It describes an inflated sense of self-importance, a spirit of self-exaltation that stands in opposition to divine authority and humility. The base definition explicitly notes its correspondence to a Hebrew gêvâh, which similarly denotes pride or loftiness, often in a pejorative sense (cf. `{{H1346}}`).
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Aramaic H1467 appears exclusively in the book of Daniel, always in contexts describing the overweening pride of pagan kings who challenge or disregard the sovereignty of the Most High God.
* **[[Daniel 4:37]]**: In Nebuchadnezzar's concluding testimony after his period of divine humbling, he declares, "Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride (H1467) he is able to humble." Here, H1467 explicitly identifies the characteristic that God opposes and humbles. Nebuchadnezzar's own experience serves as the ultimate proof of this divine principle.
* **[[Daniel 5:20]]**: Describing Belshazzar's father (Nebuchadnezzar), Daniel recounts, "But when his heart was lifted up and his spirit was hardened so that he dealt proudly (H1467), he was deposed from his kingly throne, and his glory was taken from him." The phrase "dealt proudly" (וְרוּחֵהּ קְשָׁת לְהַגְשָׁאָה) uses the infinitive form of the verb "to deal proudly" derived from the same root as H1467, directly linking the king's hardened spirit to an act of arrogant self-assertion. This pride led directly to his downfall and humiliation, illustrating God's judgment against such insolence.
In both instances, H1467 is presented as a grave spiritual offense that provokes divine intervention and judgment, leading to the abasement of those who harbor it. It underscores the biblical theme that human pride is an affront to God's supreme authority.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of pride is pervasive throughout Scripture, articulated through various Hebrew and Greek terms that offer nuanced perspectives.
* **Hebrew Equivalents**:
* `{{H1346}}` (גֵּוָה, *gêvâh*): The Hebrew counterpart, often used for "pride," "arrogance," or "loftiness," as seen in [[Proverbs 16:18]] ("Pride goes before destruction").
* `{{H1347}}` (גָּאוֹן, *ga'on*): Can denote "majesty" or "excellency" in a positive sense, but frequently "pride" or "arrogance" in a negative one (e.g., [[Isaiah 2:12]]).
* `{{H7312}}` (רוּם, *rum*): "to be high, exalted," often used for self-exaltation that is condemned (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 8:14]]).
* `{{H1361}}` (גָּבַהּ, *gaba*): "to be high, exalted," also used for haughtiness (e.g., [[Psalm 131:1]]).
* **Greek Equivalents**:
* `{{G5243}}` (ὑπερηφανία, *huperēphania*): "haughtiness, arrogance, pride," as listed among vices in [[Mark 7:22]].
* `{{G5250}}` (ὕψος, *hupsos*): "height, exalted state," can refer to spiritual pride when one is "puffed up" (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 4:6]]).
* `{{G5450}}` (φυσιοῦμαι, *phusioumai*): "to puff up, make proud," often used in Paul's epistles regarding spiritual arrogance within the church (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 8:1]]).
These terms collectively highlight the multifaceted nature of pride as a foundational sin, manifesting as self-reliance, contempt for others, and defiance toward God.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of H1467 in Daniel provide a profound theological statement on the nature of divine sovereignty and human hubris. The narratives of Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar serve as powerful object lessons: God is the ultimate ruler, and any attempt by humanity to usurp His glory or operate outside His acknowledged authority is met with divine judgment.
Pride, as expressed by H1467, is depicted as a direct challenge to God's supremacy. It represents a fundamental distortion of reality, where the creature exalts itself above the Creator. This is a recurring theme throughout Scripture:
* God actively opposes the proud: "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble" ([[James 4:6]], [[1 Peter 5:5]], echoing [[Proverbs 3:34]]).
* Pride leads to destruction: "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" ([[Proverbs 16:18]]).
* Humility is the path to exaltation: "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted" ([[Matthew 23:12]]).
The Aramaic H1467 thus encapsulates a critical theological truth: true exaltation comes only through divine appointment and humble submission, never through self-exaltation. The downfall of the proud kings in Daniel underscores the immutable principle that God alone is to be glorified, and He will not share His glory with another.
### Summary
H1467 (גֵּוָה, *gêvâh*) is an Aramaic term primarily found in the book of Daniel, denoting "arrogance" or "pride." Its usage consistently highlights the negative and destructive nature of human self-exaltation, particularly when directed against the sovereignty of God. The narratives of Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar serve as clear biblical examples where H1467 describes the fatal flaw that leads to divine judgment and humiliation. The word reinforces the pervasive biblical teaching that God opposes the proud and exalts the humble, underscoring the absolute necessity of humility before the Most High.
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