A feminine noun meaning the back of the body, or metaphorically, elevation of spirit that crosses into arrogance and pride. The word captures the posture of one who 'stiffens the neck' or 'sets the back against God.'
Gevah sits at the intersection of anatomy and theology. The literal back becomes a metaphor for spiritual posture: to turn one's gevah to God is the posture of rebellion, while the prophet's servant voluntarily gives his back to smiters (Isaiah 50:6). Ezekiel uses the word for the height/pride of nations — the elevated posture that precedes the fall. The biblical pattern is unmistakable: whatever rises against the Most High is brought low. The proud gevah is precisely what God opposes (James 4:6). True strength is found not in an elevated back toward God, but in a broken and contrite heart before Him.