The Hebrew word gᵉdûwlâh, represented by H1420, is a term for greatness, majesty, and dignity. As the feminine form of H1419 gâdôwl, it appears 12 times in 11 unique verses. The word is used to describe not only the intrinsic quality of greatness but also the tangible "mighty acts" or "great things" performed by God or the dignity possessed by humans.
In the biblical narrative, H1420 is primarily used to describe the attributes and actions of God. It is a central component of praise, as seen in the declaration, "Thine, O LORD, is the greatness" 1 Chronicles 29:11. This quality is portrayed as infinite and beyond human comprehension, as "his greatness is unsearchable" Psalms 145:3. The word also refers to God's mighty redemptive acts for Israel, such as the "great things" He did for them after their exodus from Egypt (2 Samuel 7:21, 2 Samuel 7:23). On a human level, it can denote the "majesty" of a king Esther 1:4 or the "dignity" bestowed upon an honored individual like Mordecai Esther 6:3.
Several related words help clarify the scope of greatness:
- H1419 gâdôwl (great): As the masculine form from which H1420 is derived, this adjective is fundamental. It is used to describe the LORD as "great" and worthy of praise Psalms 145:3.
- H1431 gâdal (to be great, magnify): This primitive root signifies the act of making or becoming great. It is used when the king "advanced" Mordecai Esther 10:2 and in the call to "magnify" the LORD Psalms 34:3.
- H1369 gᵉbûwrâh (power, might): This term often appears alongside H1420 to describe the fullness of God's character, linking His greatness directly to His power and valor 1 Chronicles 29:11.
- H3366 yᵉqâr (honour, precious things): This word is used in parallel with H1420 to express the concept of human dignity, such as when the king inquires about the "honour and dignity" given to Mordecai Esther 6:3.
The theological weight of H1420 is significant and multifaceted:
- A Divine Attribute: Greatness is presented as an essential aspect of God's being, belonging to Him just as power, glory, and majesty do 1 Chronicles 29:11. This greatness is absolute and cannot be fully grasped by the human mind Psalms 145:3.
- Demonstrated in Action: The term is not purely abstract. It is shown through God's "great things" in the world, particularly His acts of redemption and covenant faithfulness toward His people (2 Samuel 7:23, 1 Chronicles 17:19). This is a greatness that humanity is called to "declare" Psalms 145:6.
- Conferred Dignity: While God is the source of all greatness, the quality can be bestowed upon humanity. The psalmist asks God, "Thou shalt increase my greatness" Psalms 71:21, viewing it as a blessing. Likewise, a king can confer "greatness" upon a subject, making it a matter of record Esther 10:2.
In summary, H1420 gᵉdûwlâh is a powerful word that captures the immense and multifaceted nature of greatness. It defines God's absolute, unsearchable majesty while also describing His powerful and tangible works in history. Furthermore, it extends to the dignity and honor that can be conferred upon humans, reminding us that true greatness originates from a higher source. It is a cornerstone for understanding both divine sovereignty and divinely-gifted honor.
TRV