📖 Biblical Definition
The disposition of exalting oneself above others — high-and-mighty pride that looks down rather than across or up. Hebrew gabhah (to be high, exalted, lifted up) carries the literal sense of physical height applied to inner disposition. Scripture pairs haughtiness with destruction in Proverbs 16:18: Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Isaiah declares the day of the LORD against every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up, with the result that the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down... and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day (Isa 2:11-12). Haughty eyes are among the seven things the LORD hates (Prov 6:16-17). The disposition is not personality; it is sin, and the biblical man learns to walk humbly (Mic 6:8) precisely as the protection against the haughty fall.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Lifted-up in spirit; high-and-mighty toward others.
expand to see more
Lifted up in spirit; treating others as beneath; the bearing Scripture pairs with destruction in Proverbs 16:18, with the day of the LORD's judgment in Isaiah 2:11, and with God's specific resistance throughout the wisdom literature.
📖 Key Scripture
Proverbs 16:18 — "Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
Isaiah 2:11 — "The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day."
Isaiah 2:17 — "The loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Confused with strength or composure; Scripture isolates haughtiness as a target of judgment.
expand to see more
Isaiah 2 announces a day when haughtiness will be specifically humbled. The same God who lifts the lowly bows the high. Pre-empt the day; humble yourself now. The fall is sure for haughty hearts; the rescue is for the broken-and-contrite.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew gabhah — to be high.
expand to see more
['Hebrew', 'H1361', 'gabhah', 'to be high, lofty']
['Hebrew', 'H7311', 'rum', 'to be exalted']
Usage
"Haughty spirits go before falls."
"The Day humbles the lofty look."