גֵּוָה

exaltation; (figuratively) arrogance

Definition

The Hebrew noun גֵּוָה (gêvâh) primarily means 'exaltation' or 'lifting up,' but it carries a strong figurative sense of 'arrogance' or 'pride.' In its positive sense, it refers to the act of being lifted up or exalted, as seen in Job 22:29, where God promises to save the humble but 'bring down' the one with 'lofty eyes'—a phrase implying pride. More commonly, the word denotes a negative, inflated sense of self-importance. In Job 33:17, God is described as using discipline to 'turn man aside from his deed, and conceal pride from man,' where גֵּוָה clearly means arrogant conduct. Similarly, in Jeremiah 13:17, the prophet weeps in secret over the 'pride' of Judah, which has led to their impending judgment.

Biblical Usage

This word occurs only three times in the Old Testament, all in poetic or prophetic contexts. It appears twice in the Book of Job (Job 22:29; 33:17) and once in Jeremiah (Jeremiah 13:17). In Job, it is used in discourses about divine justice and human correction, describing the arrogant attitude God opposes. In Jeremiah, it is a prophetic indictment of national pride leading to downfall. The usage consistently portrays גֵּוָה as a negative spiritual condition—a self-exaltation that invites divine opposition.

Etymology

גֵּוָה (gêvâh) is derived from the root גָּוָה (gāvâh, H1342), meaning 'to be high, exalted, or lifted up.' It is essentially the same as H1465 (גֵּוָה), a variant spelling. The noun form captures the state or quality of being lifted up, which semantically developed from a neutral physical or positional sense ('height') to a predominantly negative moral sense ('haughtiness') in its biblical usage.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it highlights a core biblical theme: God's opposition to human pride. גֵּוָה represents the arrogant self-reliance that stands in direct conflict with humility and dependence on God, as emphasized in Proverbs 16:18. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by clarifying that the 'pride' condemned in passages like Job and Jeremiah is not merely an emotion but an active posture of exalting oneself, which God actively works to humble. It connects to doctrines of sin, judgment, and grace.

In ancient Israelite culture, pride (גֵּוָה) was not just a personal failing but a communal and covenantal breach. It implied a failure to acknowledge God's sovereignty and a trust in one's own strength or status, which was particularly dangerous for the nation. This contrasts with some modern individualistic views of pride; in the biblical context, it had corporate consequences, as seen in Jeremiah's lament over Judah's collective pride leading to national disaster.

גָּאוֹן (gā'ôn, H1347) — often denotes majesty or pride, sometimes of nations or God; more expansive in scope. גַּאֲוָה (ga'avâh, H1346) — a very close synonym for arrogance and pride, used more frequently. רוּם (rûm, H7312) — emphasizes height or lifting up, often in a physical or positional sense, but can imply loftiness of heart.

Word Details

Scripture References