גֵּא
𐤂𐤀
gêʼ
H1341 adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
An adjective denoting being exalted, high, or proud, most often used figuratively to describe persons or attitudes characterized by haughtiness, arrogance, or a lofty disposition. In poetic or prophetic contexts, it can also denote elevational height (literal or metaphorical), but its primary lexical meaning is that of pride or a high, self-exalting attitude.
Semantic Range
exalted, lofty, proud, haughty, self-important, arrogant
Root / Etymology
From the root גאה (ג-א-ה), which broadly means 'to rise up, be high, be exalted, be proud.' The form גֵּא is an adjectival construction from this root, denoting the state or quality of being high or proud.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Though the core idea is 'high, exalted,' in the Hebrew Bible the term גֵּא is almost exclusively negative, indicating someone who is arrogantly self-important or looks down on others. In Wisdom literature and Prophetic contexts (e.g., Proverbs, Isaiah), גֵּא is contrasted with humility, often as a characteristic warranting divine rebuke or bringing about eventual downfall. In rare poetic uses, the term can signify literal height or majesty, but the overwhelmingly predominant usage is negative, denoting pride or haughtiness. English translations often use 'proud' or 'haughty,' but may not always capture the specifically self-exalting, contemptuous nuance carried in biblical usage. The term is distinct from related roots for 'exaltation' or 'height' that lack negative moral connotation. 'Jew' or later religious meanings are not implied by this word.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
for גֵּאֶה; haughty; proud.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
גאה (g-ʾ-h) — rise, be exalted, be proud
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H1342 | גָּאָה | he rose high |
| H1343 | גֵּאֶה | lofty |
| H1344 | גֵּאָה | self-exaltation |
| H1345 | גְּאוּאֵל | El has exalted |
| H1346 | גַּאֲוָה | in loftiness |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1341-01 |
גֵּ֣א | ge | HAamsa |
proud | proud one | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1341-01 |
Isaiah 16:6 | גֵּ֣א | ge | HAamsa |
proud | proud one |