from גָּאָה and אֵל; majesty of God; Geuel, an Israelite; Geuel.
Transliteration:Gᵉʼûwʼêl
Pronunciation:gheh-oo-ale'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H1345}}` (גְּאוּאֵל, Gᵉʼûwʼêl) is a proper noun, a personal name. Its etymology provides its core meaning, being a compound of two significant Hebrew roots: `{{H1343}}` (גָּאָה, *ga'ah*), meaning "to rise up," "to be exalted," or "to be majestic," and `{{H410}}` (אֵל, *'el*), meaning "God." Therefore, the name Geuel literally translates to "Majesty of God" or "God's Majesty." As a proper noun, its semantic range is fixed to the individual it identifies. However, the inherent meaning of the name itself carries profound theological weight, serving as a declarative statement about the nature of God. It speaks to divine exaltation, inherent greatness, and supreme dignity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Geuel (`{{H1345}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[Numbers 13:15]]. In this passage, Geuel son of Machi is identified as the representative from the tribe of Gad, chosen by Moses to be one of the twelve spies sent to explore the land of Canaan. The context is crucial: Moses, at the command of the Lord, selects a leader from each of the twelve tribes to scout the Promised Land (cf. [[Numbers 13:1-3]]). Geuel's inclusion in this vital mission highlights his standing within his tribe.
The irony or significance of his name, "Majesty of God," in light of the subsequent events, is notable. Ten of the twelve spies, including Geuel, returned with a discouraging report, focusing on the strength of the inhabitants and the fortified cities, thereby instilling fear and doubt in the Israelites (cf. [[Numbers 13:26-33]]). This lack of faith directly contradicted the very "majesty of God" that his name proclaimed, as it demonstrated a failure to trust in God's power to fulfill His promises. While his name declared God's supreme authority and ability, his actions, alongside the other unfaithful spies, reflected human fear and a limited perception of that divine majesty. Thus, the sole biblical occurrence of Geuel's name serves as a poignant reminder of the tension between God's inherent greatness and humanity's often-flawed response to it.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymology of `{{H1345}}` connects it directly to several key biblical concepts:
* **`{{H1343}}` (גָּאָה, *ga'ah*):** This root signifies "to be lifted up," "to be exalted," "to be majestic," or even "to swell with pride." When applied to God, it speaks of His inherent loftiness and glory. When applied to humans, it can denote pride or arrogance. In the context of Geuel, it points to the divine attribute of majesty.
* **`{{H410}}` (אֵל, *'el*):** This is one of the primary Hebrew names for God, signifying "God," "god," or "mighty one." It is a common component in many Hebrew personal names (e.g., Israel, Gabriel, Immanuel), often indicating a relationship with God, a petition to God, or an attribute of God. Its presence in Geuel's name unequivocally points to the divine referent.
* **Divine Majesty (כָּבוֹד, *kavod* `{{H3519}}`; רוּם, *rum* `{{H7311}}`):** The concept of God's majesty is central to biblical theology. Terms like *kavod* (glory/weight/honor) and *rum* (to be high/exalted) frequently describe God's transcendent nature, His awesome power, and His supreme sovereignty. Geuel's name echoes these broader theological affirmations about God's exalted status.
* **Names as Theological Statements:** Many Hebrew names function as miniature theological declarations, reflecting parental faith, hope, or a characteristic of God. Geuel fits this pattern, serving as a constant reminder of God's greatness, even if the bearer of the name did not always live up to its profound implications.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1345}}` lies primarily in the meaning of the name itself: "Majesty of God." Even though it is a proper noun for a single individual, its etymology acts as a powerful theological assertion about the character of the Lord.
1. **Affirmation of Divine Exaltation:** The name testifies to God's inherent and unchanging majesty. God is not merely powerful or wise; He is supremely exalted, His glory transcending all creation. This attribute is foundational to worship and reverence.
2. **God's Sovereignty:** "Majesty of God" implies God's supreme rule and authority over all things. It underscores the biblical truth that God is sovereign, His plans are unthwarted, and His power is limitless.
3. **Contrast with Human Frailty:** The single occurrence of Geuel in the narrative of the unfaithful spies creates a stark theological contrast. A man named "Majesty of God" participates in a decision that demonstrates a profound lack of faith in that very majesty. This highlights the reality of human fallibility and the tendency to forget or doubt God's power even when His nature is declared. It serves as a subtle reminder that God's majesty is not contingent upon human belief or action; it simply *is*.
4. **Theological Witness:** Even in seemingly ordinary names, the biblical text often embeds theological truth. Geuel's name, whether consciously recognized by its bearer or not, stood as a constant, albeit unheeded, witness to the glorious nature of the God of Israel.
### Summary
`{{H1345}}` (גְּאוּאֵל, Gᵉʼûwʼêl) is a Hebrew proper noun, meaning "Majesty of God," derived from the roots `{{H1343}}` ("to be majestic") and `{{H410}}` ("God"). It appears only once in the Bible, in [[Numbers 13:15]], identifying Geuel, the spy from the tribe of Gad. While the individual Geuel participated in the faithless report concerning Canaan, his name profoundly declares a core biblical truth: God's inherent, supreme exaltation and sovereignty. The name stands as a theological affirmation of God's enduring majesty, serving as a subtle yet powerful reminder of divine greatness even amidst human doubt and failure.
TRV