גֵּאָה
𐤂𐤀𐤄
gêʼâh
H1344 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A state or attitude of exaltation, haughtiness, or pride, often in a negative sense as self-exaltation or arrogance. In certain contexts, can denote an appropriate sense of dignity or majesty, but most often signifies boastfulness or presumptuous elevation over others.
Semantic Range
arrogance, pride, haughtiness, self-exaltation, boastfulness, loftiness, majesty (rare/poetic)
Root / Etymology
גֵּאָה (gêʼâh) derives from the root גָּאָה (gʼh), meaning 'to be high' or 'to rise up.' The feminine noun form encapsulates the quality or state of being elevated, both physically (as in high places or objects) and metaphorically (as in attitude or character traits, particularly pride or arrogance).
Historical & Contextual Notes
גֵּאָה is most commonly used to denote negative pride or arrogance, particularly an inflated view of oneself against others or before the deity. Throughout the prophetic literature and wisdom texts, it is often contrasted with humility and considered an attitude that provokes divine displeasure. The sense of 'arrogance' is predominant, but instances in poetic texts may frame the word in the context of grandeur or loftiness. Related terms include גֵּאוּת (geʼut, 'majesty; pride'), which can be positive in reference to the deity's grandeur. English translations usually render גֵּאָה as 'pride' or 'arrogance,' sometimes missing more nuanced distinctions between arrogance, boastfulness, or legitimate dignity. The term remained associated with negative character traits in later Jewish literature as well.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
feminine from גָּאָה; arrogance; pride.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
גאה (g-ʾ-h) — to be high, to rise up, to be exalted
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H1341 | גֵּא | proud one |
| H1342 | גָּאָה | he rose high |
| H1343 | גֵּאֶה | lofty |
| H1345 | גְּאוּאֵל | El has exalted |
| H1346 | גַּאֲוָה | in loftiness |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1344-01 |
גֵּ֘אָ֤ה | geah | HNcfsa |
pride | self-exaltation | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1344-01 |
Proverbs 8:13 | גֵּ֘אָ֤ה | geah | HNcfsa |
pride | self-exaltation |