### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gâdêl**, represented by `{{H1432}}`, is a term signifying something **large** or that has **grew**. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. Derived from its primitive root, `{{H1431}}`, it describes growth and greatness in both literal and figurative senses, applying to people, status, and physical attributes.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H1432}}` marks a process of significant increase. It is used to describe personal development, as seen when the **child** Samuel **grew** on in favor with both God and men [[1 Samuel 2:26]]. It also denotes a rise in status and wealth, such as when Isaac **grew** until he became very great [[Genesis 26:13]], or when King Jehoshaphat "waxed **great** exceedingly" [[2 Chronicles 17:12]]. The term can also be used pejoratively, as in Ezekiel's description of the Egyptians as neighbors who were "**great** of flesh," linking their physical size to Israel's spiritual fornication [[Ezekiel 16:26]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a broader context for the concept of greatness and growth:
* `{{H1431}}` **gâdal** (to be... make large): As the primitive root of `{{H1432}}`, this word is used to describe the act of causing greatness. God promises to **make** Abraham's name **great** [[Genesis 12:2]], and the psalmist calls on the faithful to **magnify** the LORD [[Psalms 34:3]].
* `{{H5288}}` **naʻar** (a boy... child, servant): This term appears alongside `{{H1432}}` to specify the subject of growth. For example, it is the **child** Samuel who **grew** in favor [[1 Samuel 2:26]]. The word is used broadly to refer to a **young man** [[Psalms 119:9]] or **lad** [[Genesis 22:12]].
* `{{H7235}}` **râbâh** (to increase): This word often parallels the idea of becoming great. In Ezekiel's prophecy, it is used alongside `{{H1432}}` to describe how Israel has **increased** her whoredoms with her neighbors who were **great** of flesh [[Ezekiel 16:26]]. It also describes God's power to **enlarge** territory [[1 Chronicles 4:10]].
### Theological Significance
The concept of becoming `{{H1432}}` great carries significant theological weight, often tied to one's relationship with God.
* **Divine Favor and Growth:** Personal greatness is frequently presented as a result of divine favor. Samuel **grew** while also being "in favour with the LORD" [[1 Samuel 2:26]], and Isaac's journey to becoming great is a direct result of God's blessing [[Genesis 26:13]].
* **Magnifying God:** The root word `{{H1431}}` shifts the focus from human greatness to divine greatness. Believers are called to **magnify** the LORD [[Psalms 34:3]], acknowledging that God's works are **great** [[Psalms 92:5]] and that He alone holds the power "to **make great**" [[1 Chronicles 29:12]].
* **Perverted Greatness:** The term can also illustrate a corrupted form of greatness. Ezekiel uses `{{H1432}}` to describe Egypt's "**great** of flesh" as part of a condemnation of Israel's spiritual adultery, showing that worldly or physical greatness can be associated with sin [[Ezekiel 16:26]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1432}}` **gâdêl**, while appearing only a few times, captures a dynamic concept of growth and size. From the personal development of a favored **child** like Samuel [[1 Samuel 2:26]] to the expanding influence of a patriarch like Isaac [[Genesis 26:13]], the word marks significant increase. Its connection to the root `{{H1431}}` elevates the concept from mere physical or material growth to the ultimate greatness of God, who is to be magnified above all. It demonstrates how the Bible uses the idea of becoming great to measure both divine blessing and human failing.
TRV