גַּבְהוּת (gav.hut)
gav.hut
haughtiness
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun gavhut denotes a state of high pride or arrogance, literally derived from the root for "height." It describes an inflated sense of self-importance that elevates one above others and, in biblical theology, above God. This is not merely confidence but a spiritual distortion where dignity becomes defiance.
Its usage is sparse but potent, appearing primarily in Isaiah to characterize the attitude of nations and leaders who oppose divine authority. The term captures the internal posture of superiority that leads to external oppression and rebellion. Translators often render it as "haughtiness" or "pride," highlighting the vertical nature of this sin—looking down from a self-made height.
By focusing on the imagery of elevation, gavhut contrasts sharply with the biblical virtue of humility. It serves as a warning that those who lift themselves up will eventually be brought low, a theme central to the prophetic messages in Isaiah where God judges the arrogant structures of human power.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word gavhut paints a picture of pride as a vertical climb. It describes an inflated sense of self-importance that lifts one above others, and ultimately above God. In Isaiah, this term captures the internal posture of superiority that leads to external oppression and rebellion. It is not merely confidence but a spiritual distortion where dignity becomes defiance.
For your faith, this word serves as a gentle reminder of the danger in lifting ourselves up. The biblical narrative consistently shows that those who elevate their own status will eventually be brought low. Instead, we are invited to rest in God's exaltation alone. This perspective frees us from the exhausting need to prove our worth or maintain control.
When we recognize gavhut for what it is—a rebellion against divine authority—we can turn toward humility. This shift does not diminish our value but aligns us with truth. It invites us to find our security in God alone, rather than in our own achievements or status.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- haughtiness of1×
- [the] haughtiness of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- גַּבְה֤וּת1×
- גַּבְה֣וּת1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 2:11
The lofty looks of man will be brought low, the arrogance of men will be bowed down, and Yahweh alone will be exalted in that day.
This verse links the 'lofty looks' directly to gavhut, showing that human arrogance is a rival claim to God's sole exaltation.
-
Isaiah 2:17
The loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the arrogance of men shall be brought low; and Yahweh alone shall be exalted in that day.
Here the 'loftiness of man' is explicitly bowed down, illustrating the inevitable consequence of gavhut when it opposes divine authority.