גַּאֲוָה (ga.a.vah)
ga.a.vah
pride
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun ga’avah describes a state of rising up or swelling, capturing both physical elevation and spiritual arrogance. In its literal sense, it can refer to the heaving waves of the sea, but in Scripture it most often points to human pride or haughtiness. This dual meaning highlights how the word bridges the visible act of lifting oneself up with the internal attitude of self-exaltation.
Its usage varies from describing the majestic glory of Israel to condemning the stubborn arrogance that leads to downfall. In Proverbs and Psalms, it frequently appears as a negative trait, standing in direct opposition to humility. The word’s root suggests a swelling or puffing up, which translators often render as "pride" or "haughtiness," emphasizing the inflated ego that separates individuals from God.
Understanding ga’avah requires recognizing its physical imagery: just as water rises during a storm, pride elevates the self above proper bounds. This vivid metaphor helps explain why biblical wisdom literature consistently warns against it, linking external behavior with internal disposition. The term serves as a stark reminder that true dignity comes not from self-promotion but from reverence.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word ga’avah paints a vivid picture of something swelling or rising up, much like storm waves crashing against the shore. In Scripture, this imagery captures the human tendency to elevate oneself above proper bounds, often leading to isolation and downfall. It is not merely confidence but an inflated sense of self that pushes God out of the center of our lives.
When we encounter this word in Proverbs or Psalms, it serves as a gentle warning against the heavy burden of arrogance. Pride acts like a chain around the neck, restricting our freedom and joy. By recognizing these moments when we seek to be our own masters, we can turn toward humility, which Scripture consistently presents as the path to true honor and peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- pride2×
- haughtiness/ its2×
- pride/ your1×
- pride/ my1×
- in/ [the] pride of1×
- eminence/ your1×
- and/ in/ majesty/ his1×
- and/ boastfulness/ its1×
- and/ [the] haughtiness of1×
- [the] pride of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/בְ/גַאֲוָת֖/וֹ1×
- וְ/גַאֲוָת֖/וֹ1×
- וְ/גַאֲוַ֥ת1×
- גַּאֲוָתֶ֑/ךָ1×
- גַּאֲוָתֵ֔/ךְ1×
- גַּאֲוָתִֽ/י\׃1×
- גַּאֲוָת֧/וֹ1×
- גַּאֲוָ֑ה1×
- גַּאֲוַ֣ת1×
- גַּֽאֲוָת֔/וֹ1×
- גַאֲוָ֑ה1×
- בְּ/גַאֲוַ֣ת1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 29:23
A man’s pride brings him low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor.
This verse directly contrasts the outcome of pride with lowly spirit, showing that self-exaltation leads to humiliation while humility brings honor.
-
Psalms 73:6
Therefore pride is like a chain around their neck. Violence covers them like a garment.
Here pride is metaphorically described as a chain around the neck, illustrating how arrogance restricts and burdens the wicked rather than freeing them.
-
Isaiah 16:6
We have heard of the pride of Moab, that he is very proud; even of his arrogance, his pride, and his wrath. His boastings are nothing.
The prophet uses this word to describe Moab’s excessive loftiness, highlighting how national pride ultimately results in empty boastings and judgment.