רֹהָב

pride

Definition

רֹהָב (rôhâb) primarily means 'pride' or 'arrogance,' specifically referring to a defiant, boastful attitude that sets itself against God. In its single biblical occurrence in Psalm 90:10, it describes the 'pride' of human life—its strength and self-sufficiency—which is ultimately fleeting and subject to God's judgment. The word conveys a sense of swelling or puffing up, often associated with human power that ignores divine sovereignty. While the KJV translates it as 'strength' in this verse, the context emphasizes the illusory and temporary nature of such human confidence.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only once in the Old Testament, in Psalm 90:10, within a prayer of Moses reflecting on human mortality. It is used in a poetic and reflective context to contrast the enduring nature of God with the brief, pride-filled span of human life. The usage highlights how human 'pride' or 'strength' is ultimately insignificant before the eternal God, serving as a sober reminder of human limitation.

Etymology

Derived from the root רָהַב (rāhab, H7292), which means 'to act stormily, boisterously, or arrogantly.' This root is also the source for רַהַב (Rahab), a poetic name for Egypt or a sea monster symbolizing chaos (e.g., Job 9:13, Isaiah 51:9). The development from the root's sense of tumultuous arrogance to the noun's meaning of 'pride' reflects a concept of inflated, rebellious self-assertion.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it encapsulates the biblical theme of human hubris versus divine sovereignty. In Psalm 90:10, it underscores the doctrine of human frailty and the vanity of earthly strength when not rooted in God. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches the reading of the psalm by highlighting that human 'pride' is not just an attitude but a fundamental misplacement of trust, contrasting sharply with the eternal, dependable nature of God. It serves as a call to humility and dependence on the Creator.

In ancient Israelite culture, 'pride' (רֹהָב) was not merely a personal character flaw but a serious social and spiritual offense, as it represented a challenge to the community's covenant relationship with God. It was associated with the arrogance of powerful nations (like Egypt, called 'Rahab') that opposed God's people. This cultural understanding frames the word as denoting not just internal arrogance but an active, rebellious stance against divine order.

גַּאֲוָה (ga'avah, H1347) — often 'majesty' or 'excellence,' but commonly 'pride' as arrogant exaltation; more frequent and general than רֹהָב. זָדוֹן (zādôn, H2087) — 'presumption' or 'arrogance,' especially in a rebellious, insolent sense against God. גֹּבַהּ (gobah, H1364) — 'height' or 'loftiness,' used metaphorically for pride as haughtiness.

Word Details

Scripture References