or גְּדֻלָּה; (shortened) or (less accurately) גְּדוּלָּה; feminine of גָּדוֹל; greatness; (concretely) mighty acts; dignity, great things(-ness), majesty.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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