קוֹמָה
height
Definition
The Hebrew noun קוֹמָה (qôwmâh) primarily means 'height' or 'stature,' referring to the vertical measurement of an object or person. In architectural contexts, it specifies the height of sacred objects like the ark of the covenant (Exodus 25:10) or the altar (Exodus 30:2). When applied to people, it describes physical stature, as with Saul who was 'taller than any of the people' (1 Samuel 9:2), or can carry a metaphorical sense of maturity or standing, as in Ezekiel's prophecy of a cedar representing Assyria's lofty pride (Ezekiel 31:3-5).
Biblical Usage
קוֹמָה appears 43 times across the Old Testament, most frequently in Exodus (15 times) detailing the precise dimensions of the tabernacle furnishings. It is also used in narrative for human stature (e.g., 1 Samuel 16:7, 2 Samuel 21:20) and in poetic/prophetic books for metaphorical height, such as describing the growth of a plant (Song of Solomon 7:7) or the arrogant height of nations (Isaiah 10:33). Its usage consistently conveys a measurable or comparative vertical extent.
Etymology
Derived from the root קוּם (qûm, H6965), meaning 'to arise' or 'to stand up.' This connection highlights how height is conceptually linked to something that has risen or stands upright. The noun form קוֹמָה specifically denotes the state or measurement of that which is erect.
Semantic Range
קוֹמָה is theologically significant as it contrasts human stature with divine perspective. In 1 Samuel 16:7, God tells Samuel, 'Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature... for the LORD sees not as man sees.' This teaches that God values inner character over external, measurable qualities. Furthermore, in prophetic literature, the 'height' of nations or trees often symbolizes human pride and arrogance that God will humble (e.g., Isaiah 2:11-17, Ezekiel 31:10), reinforcing themes of divine sovereignty and the folly of self-exaltation.
In ancient Israelite culture, physical height and stature were often associated with strength, leadership potential, and honor, as seen in the descriptions of King Saul and his sons. The precise specifications for the tabernacle's height reflect a culture of meticulous sacred craftsmanship, where exact obedience to God's commanded measurements was an act of worship and ensured the structure's ritual correctness.
גֹּבַהּ (gobah, H1363) — emphasizes loftiness or exalted position, often more abstract. מִדָּה (middâh, H4060) — a general term for measurement, including length, width, and height.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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