### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **qôwmâh**, represented by `{{H6967}}`, is a term for **height** or **stature**. It appears 45 times across 43 unique verses in the Bible. It is used both for the literal, physical measurement of people and objects, and figuratively to describe the lofty status or pride of nations and individuals.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6967}}` is used in several key contexts. It is fundamental in describing the dimensions of sacred structures, providing precise measurements for items like the ark of the covenant, which was a cubit and a half in **height** [[Exodus 25:10]], and various altars in the tabernacle [[Exodus 27:1]]. It is also used to describe the physical stature of people. When the prophet Samuel considers Eliab for kingship, God instructs him not to look upon the height of his **stature** [[1 Samuel 16:7]]. The word can also describe a person's posture, as when King Saul fell "all along" his full **stature** in fear [[1 Samuel 28:20]]. Figuratively, it depicts the arrogance of empires, like the Assyrian, described as a cedar of "high **stature**" [[Ezekiel 31:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of height and dimension:
* `{{H1363}}` **gôbahh** (elation, grandeur, arrogance): This term often describes the pride associated with height. It is used alongside `{{H6967}}` to connect a nation's exalted **stature** with its heart being "lifted up in his **height**" [[Ezekiel 31:10]].
* `{{H1364}}` **gâbôahh** (elevated, powerful, arrogant): This word describes being physically or figuratively lofty. It is used when God warns Samuel not to judge by the **height** of one's stature [[1 Samuel 16:7]] and when describing the "haughty" of stature who will be humbled [[Isaiah 10:33]].
* `{{H753}}` **ʼôrek** (length): As a term for linear measurement, it frequently appears with `qôwmâh` and `rôchab` (breadth) to give the complete dimensions of objects like Noah's ark [[Genesis 6:15]] and Solomon's temple [[1 Kings 6:2]].
* `{{H7341}}` **rôchab** (width): This word for breadth or wideness is the natural companion to length and height, used to specify the three-dimensional size of structures like the altar of burnt offering [[Exodus 38:1]] and the table of shittim wood [[Exodus 37:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6967}}` is significant, often contrasting physical appearance with spiritual reality.
* **Divine Order and Sacred Space:** The specific **height** measurements for the tabernacle's furniture, like the incense altar [[Exodus 30:2]], highlight God's concern for precision and order in sacred construction, establishing a divine pattern.
* **Humility vs. Appearance:** A central theme is established when God rejects a king based on his impressive **stature**, teaching that God looks at the heart, not outward appearance [[1 Samuel 16:7]]. This prioritizes inner character over physical impressiveness.
* **Pride and Divine Judgment:** In the prophets, towering **stature** becomes a powerful symbol for the arrogance of nations and rulers. The "high ones of **stature**" are marked for judgment [[Isaiah 10:33]], and a nation's exalted **height** is directly linked to its pride and subsequent fall [[Ezekiel 31:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6967}}` is far more than a simple word for measurement. It is a vital term used to define the precise dimensions of holy objects, describe the physical presence of individuals, and serve as a powerful metaphor for pride. It underpins a core biblical teaching: that human standards of greatness, like physical **stature**, are meaningless before God, who values humility and judges the arrogant heart.
TRV