גֵּוָה
𐤂𐤅𐤄
gêvâh
H1467 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
State or condition of being lifted up, especially in a metaphorical sense; denotes exaltation, loftiness, and, in most contexts, arrogance or pride shown by an individual or group. Used predominantly in a negative sense for self-exaltation or presumptuousness.
Semantic Range
exaltation, loftiness, arrogance, pride, haughtiness, self-exaltation
Root / Etymology
From the root ג-א-ה, which carries the basic sense of 'to be high, exalted, lift up.' The Aramaic noun גֵּוָה directly derives from this root, signifying the condition or quality of exaltation. While the root meaning refers broadly to height or elevation (literal or figurative), the noun often develops a specific reference to pride or arrogance (i.e., a ‘lofty’ attitude).
Historical & Contextual Notes
גֵּוָה is the Aramaic counterpart to the Hebrew גָּאוֹן (gā’ōn, 'pride' or 'exaltation'), and appears primarily in the Aramaic sections of the Hebrew Bible, notably Daniel and Ezra. In post-exilic contexts, especially in Aramaic, the nuance of the term frequently leans toward negative evaluations—arrogance or presumption—rather than neutral or positive exaltation. Unlike Greek 'ὕβρις' (hubris) which usually implies overstepping boundaries in the Greek world, גֵּוָה frames pride or a haughty attitude without the same mythic overtones. Standard translations often render it 'pride,' but this can miss the nuance of self-exaltation or haughtiness, especially when contrasted with positively-valued 'exaltation' found with other Hebrew and Aramaic terms. In the Hebrew Bible's narrative order, גֵּוָה appears only in relatively late texts, reflective of linguistic shifts in the late Second Temple period.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
(Aramaic) corresponding to גֵּוָה; {exaltation; (figuratively) 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 be exalted, to lift up
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H1341 | גֵּא | proud one |
| H1342 | גָּאָה | he rose high |
| H1343 | גֵּאֶה | lofty |
| H1344 | גֵּאָה | self-exaltation |
| H1345 | גְּאוּאֵל | El has exalted |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1467-01 |
בְּ/גֵוָ֔ה | begevah | AR/Ncfsa |
in-pride | in self-exaltation | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H1467-01 |
Daniel 4:34 | בְּ/גֵוָ֔ה | begevah | AR/Ncfsa |
in-pride | in self-exaltation |