גֵּוָה
𐤂𐤅𐤄
gêvâh
H1466 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A state or quality of being elevated or lifted up, either literally (as in something being raised or exalted) or figuratively as an attitude of self-importance, pride, or arrogance. The term typically refers to the condition or feeling of exaltation, often with negative connotations pertaining to human pride.
Semantic Range
exaltation, elevation, being raised, pride, arrogance, haughtiness, self-exaltation
Root / Etymology
Root: גוה. The root גוה (g-w-h) conveys the idea of rising, being high, or uplifting. The nominal form גֵּוָה (gêvâh) derives from this root and typically denotes the abstract concept or state associated with being elevated, both physically and metaphorically.
Historical & Contextual Notes
גֵּוָה is a rare word in Biblical Hebrew, attested only a few times (notably in Proverbs 16:18 and 29:23). When used, it frequently carries a cautionary tone regarding the dangers of prideful exaltation—excessive self-esteem seen as a precursor to downfall. While related to the root גבה (g-b-h), which typically conveys loftiness or height (especially in physical senses or referring to God’s greatness, as in Isaiah 57:15), גֵּוָה tends to focus on human attitudes and their ethical consequences. English translations sometimes render the term as 'pride,' 'haughtiness,' or 'exaltation,' but these do not always capture the full Hebraic sense, particularly its warning against self-exaltation. In earlier periods, the concept may have related more simply to being high or raised, but by the time of the wisdom literature, the figurative sense predominated. The later religious connotations of 'pride' as a cardinal vice reflect interpretive traditions rather than the ancient Israelite lexicon itself.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
the same as גֵּוָה; exaltation; (figuratively) arrogance; lifting up, pride.
Bantu Hebrew
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+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
גוה (g-w-h) — to be high, to rise, to be uplifted
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1466-01 |
גֵוָ֑ה | gevah | HNcfsa |
lifting up | lofty exaltation | 2 |
H1466-02 |
וְ/גֵוָ֖ה | vegevah | HC/Ncfsa |
and pride | and exaltedness | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1466-01 |
Jeremiah 13:17 | גֵוָ֑ה | gevah | HNcfsa |
pride | lofty exaltation |
H1466-01 |
Job 22:29 | גֵּוָ֑ה | gevah | HNcfsa |
lifting up | lofty exaltation |
H1466-02 |
Job 33:17 | וְ/גֵוָ֖ה | vegevah | HC/Ncfsa |
and pride | and exaltedness |