יָהִיר
𐤉𐤄𐤉𐤓
yâhîyr
H3093 adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Self-exalting or displaying a sense of superiority, especially in a way visible to others; characterized by arrogance, pride, or haughtiness. Refers to someone who elevates themselves, both in attitude and often in public conduct. In certain contexts, connotes a dangerous, contemptuous, or boastful demeanor.
Semantic Range
arrogant, haughty, proud, self-exalting, boastful, demonstrating superiority, behaving contemptuously
Root / Etymology
From the root הרה (hur), related to elevation or raising up. Although יָהִיר is often associated with 'mountain' (הַר), the immediate derivation from this noun is unlikely; rather, it reflects the concept of something 'raised' or 'exalted' in a metaphorical sense—hence pride or arrogance as being 'elevated above others.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
Attested infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, יָהִיר appears in poetic and wisdom contexts (e.g., Habakkuk 2:5, Proverbs 21:24). It is always used pejoratively, describing those whose pride or arrogant disposition leads to destructive or anti-social behavior. The word is closely related in meaning to גָּבַהּ (gāvah, 'to be high, lofty') but more exclusively refers to the character trait of arrogance or pride. English translations often narrow it to 'proud' or 'arrogant,' but the term also encompasses boastfulness and self-importance. In post-biblical Hebrew, forms derived from this root continue to have these negative social connotations. Later traditions occasionally understand יָהִיר as a type of moral failing or hubris underlying judgment; however, this broadening reflects later interpretive layers, not primary biblical usage.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably from the same as הַר; elated; hence, arrogant; haughty, proud.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
רהר (r-h-r) — to be high, to lift up, to exalt oneself
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3093-01 |
יָהִ֖יר | yahir | HAamsa |
haughty | self-exalting | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H3093-01 |
Habakkuk 2:5 | יָהִ֖יר | yahir | HAamsa |
haughty | self-exalting |
H3093-01 |
Proverbs 21:24 | יָ֭הִיר | yahir | HAamsa |
Haughty | self-exalting |