גֵּאוּת (ge.ut)
ge.ut
majesty
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun ge’ut describes something that rises up or swells, capturing both physical elevation and spiritual posture. In the Old Testament, it most often refers to the majestic grandeur of God, evoking images of a towering column of smoke or the swelling power of the sea. This usage highlights divine authority and awe-inspiring presence, particularly in texts like Isaiah and Psalms where God’s glory is celebrated.
However, the word carries a sharp contrast when applied to humans. It frequently denotes pride or arrogance, representing an inflated sense of self that stands against humility. This dual nature shows how elevation can be either a reflection of divine majesty or a dangerous human overreach. Translators often render it as "majesty" in positive contexts and "pride" when describing sinful attitude.
The term’s root idea of rising up connects these meanings: whether it is God’s exalted glory or human arrogance, both involve a lifting above the ordinary. This linguistic link reminds readers that true majesty belongs to God alone, while human pride distorts the dignity intended for creation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ge’ut captures the idea of rising high, whether in glorious elevation or dangerous arrogance. When applied to God, it describes His majestic authority and awe-inspiring presence. This reminds us that true greatness belongs to Him alone, offering a stable foundation for our faith when the world feels unstable.
When used of people, however, ge’ut warns against an inflated sense of self. It highlights how pride can blind us to God’s glory, much like the crown of pride mentioned in Isaiah. Recognizing this distinction helps us appreciate divine majesty while guarding our own hearts against arrogance.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- majesty2×
- <the> pride of2×
- with/ pride1×
- [the] majesty of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- גֵּאוּת֙1×
- גֵּא֪וּת1×
- גֵּא֥וּת1×
- גֵּא֖וּת1×
- גֵא֖וּת1×
- בְ/גֵאֽוּת\׃1×
Key Verses
-
Psalms 93:1
Yahweh reigns! He is clothed with majesty! Yahweh is armed with strength. The world also is established. It can’t be moved.
This verse uses ge'ut to describe God's majestic clothing, emphasizing His sovereign power and the immovability of His reign.
-
Isaiah 28:1
Woe to the crown of pride of the drunkards of Ephraim, and to the fading flower of his glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fertile valley of those who are overcome with wine!
Here the term refers to the 'crown of pride,' illustrating how human arrogance can distort beauty into a symbol of downfall.
-
Isaiah 26:10
Let favor be shown to the wicked, yet he will not learn righteousness. In the land of uprightness he will deal wrongfully, and will not see Yahweh’s majesty.
The text notes that the wicked will not see Yahweh's majesty, showing how spiritual blindness prevents recognition of divine glory.