Lexical Summary ge: Proud, Arrogant Original Word: גֵּא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance proud For ge'eh; haughty -- proud. see HEBREW ge'eh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originscribal error for geeh, q.v. Brown-Driver-Briggs גֵּא adjective proud, scribal error for גֵּאֶה Isaiah 16:6 (as in Jeremiah 48:29). Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence and Context The word גֵּא (Strong’s 1341) appears a single time in Scripture, within Isaiah 16:6. There it describes the self-exalting spirit of Moab: “We have heard of Moab’s pride—how very proud he is—his arrogance, his conceit, and his rage. His boasts are empty.” (Isaiah 16:6) Isaiah situates this oracle in the larger section of chapters 13–23, where various nations are assessed in light of God’s sovereign rule. The solitary use of גֵּא highlights the intensity of Moab’s pride and underscores the seriousness with which God regards haughty self-reliance. Historical Background: The Pride of Moab Moab, a nation born from Lot’s eldest daughter (Genesis 19:37), often opposed Israel (Numbers 22; Judges 3). Its fertile plateau east of the Dead Sea fostered economic security that bred national overconfidence. Archaeological finds, such as the Mesha Stele, reveal a culture quick to boast of military exploits. Isaiah’s indictment aims at this ingrained arrogance, warning that political stability provides no shelter from divine judgment (Isaiah 16:14). Theological Significance of Pride Throughout Scripture, pride functions as a root sin that elevates self above God (Proverbs 16:18; Obadiah 3–4). Isaiah 16:6 places Moab among a wider biblical pattern in which proud nations—Egypt (Ezekiel 29:3), Assyria (Isaiah 10:12), Babylon (Isaiah 14:13–15)—are humbled to display God’s supremacy. The term גֵּא anchors this theme: any created power that magnifies itself invites the corrective hand of the Creator. Contrast with Godly Humility The passage implicitly commends the opposite attitude: humble dependence. The Servant Songs later in Isaiah (42; 49; 50; 52–53) climax in the Servant’s humility, prefiguring Jesus Christ, who “humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8). Where גֵּא exposes destructive self-exaltation, Christ’s humility secures salvation and models kingdom greatness (Matthew 20:26–28). Implications for Personal Spiritual Formation 1. Self-examination: Believers are urged to “clothe yourselves with humility” (1 Peter 5:5) lest hidden pride invite discipline. Relevance for Corporate and National Life Churches and nations alike may emulate Moab when prosperity dulls spiritual vigilance. Isaiah’s warning calls congregations to steward resources humbly and governments to acknowledge divine authority over national destiny (Psalm 33:12). Public policy, missions, and community service become avenues to display humility rather than self-congratulation. Christological Insights Moab’s downfall anticipates the greater reversal accomplished at the cross: “He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has exalted the humble” (Luke 1:52). The single flash of גֵּא in Isaiah illuminates the redemptive storyline in which the Proud One is dethroned (Satan, Isaiah 14), and the Humble One is exalted (Philippians 2:9–11). Thus the term serves as a linguistic signpost directing readers to the ultimate triumph of humility in Christ. Summary Points for Teaching and Preaching • גֵּא identifies an attitude of overbearing pride; its lone appearance sharpens Isaiah’s critique of Moab. Forms and Transliterations גֵּ֣א גא ge gêLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Isaiah 16:6 HEB: גְאוֹן־ מוֹאָ֖ב גֵּ֣א מְאֹ֑ד גַּאֲוָת֧וֹ KJV: [he is] very proud: [even] of his haughtiness, INT: of the pride of Moab proud an excessive his arrogance |
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