or גְּדֻלָּה; (shortened) or (less accurately) גְּדוּלָּה; feminine of גָּדוֹל; greatness; (concretely) mighty acts; dignity, great things(-ness), majesty.
Transliteration:gᵉdûwlâh
Pronunciation:ghed-oo-law'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun H1420 (גְּדוּלָה, *gᵉdûwlâh*) is derived from the adjective H1419 (גָּדוֹל, *gādôl*), meaning "great" or "large." As a feminine noun, H1420 encapsulates the abstract quality of "greatness" or "magnificence." Its semantic range extends to concrete manifestations of greatness, such as "mighty acts," "grandeur," "dignity," and "majesty." While it can describe human eminence or splendor, its most profound and frequent application is to the inherent, unsearchable, and demonstrated greatness of God. It signifies not merely size, but immense power, authority, and splendor.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H1420 appears in various contexts throughout the Old Testament, predominantly highlighting divine attributes or the elevated status of human figures, often as a result of divine favor.
In [[1 Chronicles 29:11]], David's prayer of praise attributes gᵉdûwlâh to God, alongside power, glory, victory, and majesty. Here, it signifies God's supreme and all-encompassing dominion over all things, both in heaven and on earth. This verse is a profound declaration of God's sovereign greatness.
The Psalms frequently employ H1420 to describe the Lord. [[Psalm 145:3]] declares, "Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; His gᵉdûwlâh is unsearchable." This emphasizes the infinite, incomprehensible nature of God's greatness, which transcends human understanding. Similarly, [[Psalm 145:6]] speaks of people declaring God's "awesome deeds" and His gᵉdûwlâh, here referring to His mighty acts of power and deliverance. This usage connects the abstract quality of greatness to its tangible expressions in divine action.
In the book of Esther, H1420 is used to describe human greatness, specifically the splendor and authority of King Ahasuerus. [[Esther 1:4]] and [[Esther 1:6]] refer to the "magnificence" or "grandeur" of his kingdom and royal glory, often displayed through lavish feasts and architectural splendor. In [[Esther 10:2]], it describes the "greatness" or "promotion" of Mordecai, indicating his elevation to a position of power and influence under the king. This illustrates how gᵉdûwlâh can denote human dignity or status, often bestowed by a higher authority.
The book of Daniel also uses H1420 in relation to human rulers, particularly Nebuchadnezzar. [[Daniel 4:36]] and [[Daniel 5:18]] recount how God bestowed "majesty" (gᵉdûwlâh) upon Nebuchadnezzar, which was later taken away due to his pride and then restored. This highlights that human gᵉdûwlâh is derivative and contingent upon God's will, contrasting sharply with God's inherent and immutable gᵉdûwlâh.
### Related Words & Concepts
H1420 is closely related to its root, the adjective H1419 (גָּדוֹל, *gādôl*), meaning "great," "large," or "mighty." The verbal root H1422 (גָּדַל, *gādal*) means "to be great," "to grow," or "to magnify." Thus, gᵉdûwlâh represents the state or manifestation of being gādôl, or the result of gādal.
Other related concepts and their corresponding Hebrew terms often appear in conjunction with gᵉdûwlâh when describing God:
* **Glory:** H3519 (כָּבוֹד, *kābôd*), signifying weight, honor, or splendor, often associated with God's manifest presence.
* **Power/Might:** H1369 (גְּבוּרָה, *gᵉbûrâh*) or H5797 (עֹז, *ʿōz*), referring to strength and ability.
* **Majesty/Splendor:** H1926 (הוֹד, *hôd*), denoting royal dignity or magnificence.
* **Kingdom/Dominion:** H4467 (מַלְכוּת, *malkûth*), referring to sovereignty and rule.
These terms frequently cluster together to form a comprehensive picture of God's supreme attributes, with gᵉdûwlâh often serving as an overarching concept encompassing the sum of His magnificent qualities and actions.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H1420 is profound, primarily because it articulates a fundamental aspect of God's nature. When applied to God, gᵉdûwlâh speaks to His infinite, unsearchable, and transcendent character. It is not merely a descriptor of His attributes but an acknowledgment of His unparalleled being.
1. **God's Inherent Nature:** gᵉdûwlâh underscores God's absolute sovereignty and omnipotence. His greatness is not bestowed or earned but is an intrinsic part of who He is, from everlasting to everlasting. This inherent greatness is the foundation for His authority over all creation.
2. **God's Demonstrative Acts:** Beyond His nature, gᵉdûwlâh also refers to God's "mighty acts" in history. These include creation, the Exodus, the provision for Israel in the wilderness, and ultimately, His redemptive work. These acts serve as tangible evidence of His power and faithfulness, inviting humanity to witness and respond to His gᵉdûwlâh.
3. **Foundation for Worship:** The recognition of God's gᵉdûwlâh is a primary impetus for worship and praise. The psalmist's call to "greatly praise" the Lord in [[Psalm 145:3]] is a direct response to His immeasurable greatness. Acknowledging God's gᵉdûwlâh fosters humility, reverence, and trust in His unfailing power and wisdom.
4. **Contrast with Human Greatness:** The biblical usage of gᵉdûwlâh highlights a crucial theological distinction: human greatness is always derivative, temporary, and often fraught with the danger of pride, as seen in Nebuchadnezzar's story. God's gᵉdûwlâh, by contrast, is eternal, inherent, and the source from which all true dignity and power flow. This contrast serves as a reminder of humanity's dependence on God and the futility of seeking ultimate greatness apart from Him.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H1420 (גְּדוּלָה, *gᵉdûwlâh*) signifies "greatness," "majesty," and "mighty acts." While it can describe human dignity or splendor, its most significant application is to the character and deeds of God. It encapsulates His unsearchable, infinite nature and His powerful, redemptive actions throughout history. The biblical witness consistently portrays God's gᵉdûwlâh as the ultimate reality, distinguishing it sharply from any fleeting human greatness. Recognition of God's gᵉdûwlâh serves as a foundational call to worship, reverence, and trust in His supreme sovereignty.
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