Lexical Summary geah: pride and arrogance Original Word: גֵּאָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance pride Feminine from ga'ah; arrogance -- pride. see HEBREW ga'ah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom gaah Definition pride NASB Translation pride and arrogance (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs גֵּאָה noun feminine pride, Proverbs 8:13. גֵּוָה noun feminine pride (ᵑ7 גֵּיוָה; Biblical Hebrew גֵּאָה; compare K§ 55, l (but also 6 a)); — absolute ׳בְּג Daniel 4:34 in pride. Topical Lexicon Occurrence and Immediate Context The word appears once in Scripture, situated in Proverbs 8:13 within the discourse where Wisdom is personified and speaks: “To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech” (Proverbs 8:13). In this single verse the vice is placed in stark contrast to the fear of the LORD, highlighting that true reverence for God necessarily involves hostility toward every manifestation of self-exaltation. Moral and Spiritual Profile Pride here is more than an inner attitude; it is a tangible moral stance that opposes God’s character. Wisdom’s hatred of pride shows that arrogance is fundamentally incompatible with the divine nature. This word therefore functions as a barometer of spiritual health—where it is present, genuine fear of the LORD is absent. Place within Wisdom Literature Proverbs repeatedly juxtaposes humility and pride (for example, Proverbs 11:2; 16:18; 29:23). The solitary use of this specific term intensifies the point: Wisdom singles out pride first in her list of hated evils, signaling its foundational role in all other sin. It is the root that nourishes “evil conduct” and “perverse speech,” the next items in the verse. Canonical Theology of Pride Scripture consistently treats pride as a primeval rebellion. Isaiah 14:13–15 portrays the fall of the king of Babylon with language that later Christian interpretation associates with satanic arrogance. James 4:6 teaches, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble,” echoing Proverbs 3:34. Both Testaments agree: pride summons divine resistance, whereas humility attracts divine favor. Historical Witness in Israel’s Story Israel’s national narrative repeatedly illustrates the danger. Uzziah’s rise and fall (2 Chronicles 26:16) shows how prosperity can breed pride that ends in disgrace. Conversely, Josiah’s tender heart (2 Chronicles 34:27) exemplifies humility’s blessing. These accounts embody the principle announced by Wisdom. Christological Fulfillment Jesus Christ embodies perfect humility (Philippians 2:5–8). His life, death, and exaltation reverse the trajectory of pride. Where human arrogance sought equality with God, the Son willingly emptied Himself, providing both the model and the means for believers to escape pride’s grip. Ministry Implications 1. Personal Formation: Spiritual disciplines such as regular confession, fasting, and service cultivate humility, undermining pride at its root. Discipleship and Homiletical Use Proverbs 8:13 serves well as a thematic anchor for lessons on the fear of the LORD. A teaching outline might (1) define true fear, (2) expose pride’s manifestations, (3) highlight Christ’s humility, and (4) call for Spirit-enabled repentance. Memory work with this verse trains believers to discern and detest pride reflexively. Prayer and Intercession Intercessors can employ Proverbs 8:13 as a lens for national and congregational repentance, asking the Lord to uproot pride in civic leaders (Jeremiah 9:23–24) and in the church (Revelation 3:17–19). Personal prayer may adapt the verse: “Lord, teach me to hate arrogant pride as You do, and fill me with the fear of Your name.” Summary Though the term occurs only once, its placement in Proverbs 8:13 magnifies its importance. Pride is a frontal assault on the fear of the LORD; humility is the indispensable companion of wisdom. Recognizing, resisting, and repenting of pride remain central tasks for every believer and every ministry that seeks to walk in the way of Wisdom incarnate—Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations גֵּ֘אָ֤ה גאה gê’āh gê·’āh geAhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Proverbs 8:13 HEB: שְֽׂנֹ֫את רָ֥ע גֵּ֘אָ֤ה וְגָא֨וֹן ׀ וְדֶ֣רֶךְ NAS: evil; Pride and arrogance and the evil KJV: evil: pride, and arrogancy, INT: hate evil Pride and arrogancy way |
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