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H1467 · Hebrew · Old Testament
גֵּוָה
gevah (Aramaic)
Noun, feminine (Aramaic)
Pride, arrogance — Aramaic cognate

Definition

The Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew gevah, used in the book of Daniel to describe the pride that preceded Nebuchadnezzar's humiliation. This Aramaic form underscores the universal nature of the pride-before-fall principle across languages and empires.

Usage & Theological Significance

The appearance of Aramaic gevah in Daniel is significant: it comes in the section written in Aramaic (Daniel 2-7), the lingua franca of the Babylonian world. God's message against pride was not encoded only in Hebrew — the language of the covenant — but proclaimed in the tongue of the empire itself. Nebuchadnezzar's fall was universal in its lesson: all nations, speaking all languages, are accountable to the Most High. Pride recognizes no cultural boundary. But neither does the grace that restores the humbled king when he acknowledges that Heaven rules (Daniel 4:34-37). Gevah becomes the gateway to restoration when it is finally surrendered.

Key Bible Verses

Daniel 4:37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are right and his ways are just; and those who walk in pride he is able to humble.
Daniel 5:20 But when his heart was lifted up and his spirit was hardened so that he dealt proudly, he was brought down from his kingly throne.
Proverbs 8:13 The fear of the LORD is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate.
Isaiah 14:12 How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low!
1 Peter 5:5 Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.

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