from גָּדַל; large (literally or figuratively); great, grew.
Transliteration:gâdêl
Pronunciation:gaw-dale'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term gâdêl (`{{H1432}}`) functions as an adjective or a participial form derived from the verbal root gâdal (`{{H1431}}`), meaning "to be or become great, large, or important." As gâdêl, it describes something that is in a state of being "large," "great," or "grown." Its semantic range encompasses:
* **Literal Magnitude:** Referring to physical dimensions, such as a large object, building, or geographical feature.
* **Figurative Prominence:** Denoting importance, power, influence, or high status, often applied to individuals, nations, or events.
* **Intensification:** Conveying the severity or intensity of a phenomenon, like a great storm or a great affliction.
* **Development/Maturity:** Indicating a state of having "grown" or reached a mature stage, particularly in reference to living beings.
The nuance of gâdêl often leans towards a descriptive state resulting from a process of growth or becoming, distinguishing it subtly from other adjectives of "greatness" by emphasizing the achieved magnitude or developed state.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While gâdêl (`{{H1432}}`) appears less frequently than its closely related adjectival form gâdôl (`{{H1419}}`), its occurrences consistently highlight the concept of magnitude, prominence, or development. Its usage often implies a state that has been achieved or is currently manifest.
* **Physical Dimensions:** It can describe objects or structures of considerable size, emphasizing their physical grandeur or scale. For instance, one might find it describing a "great" (gâdêl) wall or a "great" (gâdêl) body of water, conveying a sense of impressive scale.
* **Social and Political Stature:** When applied to individuals or groups, gâdêl signifies their elevated status, power, or influence. This can refer to a "great" (gâdêl) leader or a "great" (gâdêl) nation, whose prominence is widely recognized. This usage often points to a position of authority or renown that has been attained.
* **Intensity of Experience:** The term can also be employed to describe the profoundness or severity of an event or emotion. A "great" (gâdêl) cry might indicate intense lamentation, or a "great" (gâdêl) disaster might convey the overwhelming nature of the calamity. Here, gâdêl amplifies the impact of the noun it modifies.
* **Maturity and Growth:** In contexts relating to living beings, gâdêl can denote the state of having "grown" or reached a significant level of development or maturity. This participial sense is crucial, as it highlights a process culminating in a state of being "great" or "grown." For example, a child who "grew great" implies a progression from infancy to a state of significant stature or maturity.
The specific context always clarifies whether gâdêl refers to literal size, figurative importance, or a state of development.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of gâdêl (`{{H1432}}`) is enriched by examining its linguistic family and conceptual neighbors:
* **gâdal (`{{H1431}}`):** The foundational verbal root, meaning "to grow, become great, magnify." gâdêl is a direct derivation, representing the state or quality of being great as a result of this process.
* **gâdôl (`{{H1419}}`):** Another highly common adjective from the same root, also translated "great, large." While often interchangeable with gâdêl in translation, gâdôl tends to be a more general adjective of greatness, whereas gâdêl (as a participle) can carry a nuance of "having grown great" or "being in a state of greatness."
* **gôdel (`{{H1433}}`):** A noun meaning "greatness, magnitude." This abstract noun encapsulates the quality described by gâdêl.
* **migdâl (`{{H4026}}`):** A noun meaning "tower," literally "a great structure" or "something made great." This concrete noun demonstrates the application of the root to architecture, signifying height and prominence.
* **yâkab (`{{H3513}}`):** "To be heavy, weighty," sometimes conveying importance, though distinct from the growth-oriented meaning of gâdal.
* **rab (`{{H7227}}`):** "Much, many, great," often referring to quantity or abundance, but can overlap with gâdêl in general notions of magnitude.
These related terms collectively paint a comprehensive picture of "greatness" in its various manifestations throughout the Hebrew Bible.
### Theological Significance
The concept embodied by gâdêl (`{{H1432}}`) and its root gâdal (`{{H1431}}`) holds profound theological significance, particularly in understanding God's nature and His interaction with creation.
* **Divine Greatness:** While gâdêl itself is not typically applied directly to God, the overarching concept of "greatness" (expressed more commonly by gâdôl or the verb gâdal) is a core attribute of Yahweh. God is inherently "great" in power, majesty, wisdom, and loving-kindness. His greatness is incomparable and foundational to His sovereignty. This divine greatness is not a result of growth but an eternal, intrinsic quality.
* **Covenantal Blessing and Prominence:** The promise to make individuals or nations "great" (often using forms of gâdal or gâdôl) is a recurring theme in the Abrahamic covenant. For instance, God promises to make Abraham's name "great" [[Genesis 12:2]]. This "greatness" is not merely human achievement but a divinely bestowed blessing, signifying prominence, numerousness, and a position of influence among the nations, all orchestrated by God's providence.
* **Human Development and Maturity:** The participial sense of gâdêl as "grown" or "having grown great" speaks to the process of human development. In the biblical narrative, individuals "grow great" not only in physical stature but also in wisdom, understanding, or influence, often under God's watchful eye. This can signify a progression towards a divinely purposed state, as seen in the growth of figures like Samuel or Jesus.
* **Manifestation of God's Works:** When gâdêl describes natural phenomena or human events, it often underscores the magnitude of God's works or the severity of His judgment or blessing. A "great" storm or a "great" plague can be seen as a manifestation of divine power or righteous wrath.
Ultimately, the concept of "greatness" inherent in gâdêl points to a world where magnitude, prominence, and development are often divinely ordained or permitted, serving God's overarching purposes.
### Summary
gâdêl (`{{H1432}}`) is a Hebrew adjective or participle derived from the root gâdal (`{{H1431}}`), meaning "large," "great," or "grown." It describes a state of magnitude, prominence, or completed development, encompassing both literal physical size and figurative importance or intensity. Contextual analysis reveals its application to physical objects, social stature, the severity of events, and the maturity of living beings. Theologically, gâdêl contributes to the broader biblical understanding of "greatness," which is profoundly linked to the attributes of God, His covenantal promises of blessing and prominence, and the divinely guided growth and development of individuals and nations. Its nuanced meaning, particularly its participial sense, highlights the process leading to a state of significance, often reflecting God's active involvement in bringing about such magnitude.
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