from גָּדַל; magnitude (literally or figuratively); greatness, stout(-ness).
Transliteration:gôdel
Pronunciation:go'-del
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun גֹּדֶל (gôdel, `{{H1433}}`) is derived from the verb גָּדַל (gadal, `{{H1431}}`), meaning "to be great," "to grow," or "to become large." Consequently, gôdel fundamentally conveys the concept of "magnitude," encompassing both physical and abstract dimensions. Its semantic range extends to "greatness," "stoutness," "might," and "eminence."
Literally, gôdel can refer to physical size or bulk, implying a substantial or imposing stature. This aspect is less common in direct theological application but underpins the more figurative uses. Figuratively, and more predominantly in biblical usage, gôdel denotes an impressive quality of superiority, power, dignity, or preeminence. It speaks to an unquantifiable vastness or an inherent excellence that sets someone or something apart. When applied to God, it speaks to His unsearchable vastness and unparalleled power.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term gôdel appears eleven times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily in the book of Deuteronomy and the Psalms, with singular occurrences in 1 Chronicles, Jeremiah, and Nahum. Its usage overwhelmingly describes the attributes of God, highlighting His supreme power and majesty.
In Deuteronomy, gôdel is a key descriptor of Yahweh's unparalleled might demonstrated in redemptive history. For instance, [[Deuteronomy 3:24]] proclaims, "O Lord GOD, you have begun to show your servant your greatness (גָּדְלֶךָ) and your mighty hand." Similarly, [[Deuteronomy 5:24]] speaks of the people hearing God's voice "out of the midst of the fire, and that God speaks with man and he still lives." This experience underscores "His greatness (גָּדְלוֹ) and His mighty voice." Further, [[Deuteronomy 9:26]] and [[Deuteronomy 11:2]] reinforce this by associating God's gôdel with His strength and the mighty works He performed for Israel. The phrase "according to the greatness of your name" in [[Deuteronomy 32:3]] links His inherent vastness to His revealed character and reputation.
In the Psalms, gôdel continues to extol divine attributes. [[Psalm 71:21]] expresses a prayer for increased greatness (גָּדְלִי) and comfort from God, suggesting that God's own gôdel is the source of His benefaction. Most notably, [[Psalm 150:2]] calls for praise to the Lord "according to His excellent greatness (כְּרֹב גָּדְלוֹ)," implying that the scope of praise should be commensurate with the boundless nature of God's majesty.
1 Chronicles 29:11 offers a comprehensive doxology: "Yours, O Lord, is the greatness (הַגְּדֻלָּה) and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours." While the form here is gĕdullāh (`{{H1432}}`), a closely related noun from the same root, 1 Chronicles 17:19 uses gôdel (גָּדְלְךָ) to describe the "greatness" of the Lord's promise concerning David's house, indicating divine faithfulness and the enduring nature of His covenant.
Jeremiah 32:18 similarly attributes "greatness (גָּדֹל)" and "might" to God, affirming His steadfast love and justice.
The only non-divine application of gôdel is found in [[Nahum 3:10]], describing the "greatness of Nineveh," specifically referring to its vast population and the multitude of its slain. Here, gôdel denotes sheer numerical magnitude or extent, highlighting the city's impressive, yet ultimately vulnerable, scale.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical kin of gôdel are other derivatives from the root גדל (gadal, `{{H1431}}`):
* **גָּדַל (gadal, `{{H1431}}`):** The verbal root, meaning "to be great," "to grow," "to magnify." It underpins the very concept of gôdel.
* **גָּדוֹל (gadol, `{{H1419}}`):** The adjective, meaning "great," "large," "mighty." This is the most common derivative, used extensively to describe anything of significant size, importance, or intensity.
* **גְּדֻלָּה (gĕdullāh, `{{H1432}}`):** Another feminine noun, often translated as "greatness," "magnificence," or "dignity." While distinct in form, its meaning largely overlaps with gôdel, particularly in expressing divine majesty (e.g., [[Psalm 145:3]]).
Conceptually, gôdel is closely related to:
* **Majesty:** The awe-inspiring presence and authority, particularly of God.
* **Power (כֹּחַ, koach, `{{H3581}}` or עֹז, oz, `{{H5797}}`):** The ability to act or exert influence, often paired with gôdel in descriptions of God.
* **Glory (כָּבוֹד, kavod, `{{H3519}}`):** The visible manifestation of God's inherent excellence and worth.
* **Sovereignty:** God's supreme rule and control over all creation.
These terms collectively articulate the ineffable nature of God's being and His unparalleled position in the cosmos.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of gôdel is profound, primarily serving as a descriptor of the unique and incomparable nature of God. When the Bible speaks of God's gôdel, it is an affirmation of His:
1. **Transcendence:** God's gôdel underscores His absolute otherness and superiority to all creation. He is not merely "great" among others, but "greatness" itself, beyond human comprehension or limitation.
2. **Omnipotence:** The term is frequently linked with God's "mighty hand" or "strength," demonstrating His irresistible power in creation, judgment, and redemption. It assures believers of His capacity to fulfill His promises and overcome all obstacles.
3. **Unsearchable Nature:** As [[Psalm 145:3]] (using gĕdullāh) states, "His greatness is unsearchable." Gôdel points to the infinite depth and breadth of God's being, which finite minds can never fully grasp, inspiring humility and awe.
4. **Basis for Worship:** The recognition of God's gôdel naturally leads to worship and praise. The call to praise Him "according to His excellent greatness" in [[Psalm 150:2]] is a summons to respond to His infinite worth with commensurate adoration. It is His gôdel that makes Him worthy of all honor and glory.
5. **Covenant Faithfulness:** In the context of Deuteronomy, God's gôdel is not merely an abstract attribute but is demonstrated through His historical acts of salvation for Israel, particularly the Exodus. It assures His people that the God who delivered them is mighty enough to sustain them and fulfill His covenant.
### Summary
The Hebrew word גֹּדֶל (gôdel, `{{H1433}}`) signifies "magnitude" or "greatness," stemming from the verb "to be great" (גָּדַל, `{{H1431}}`). While occasionally denoting physical size or numerical vastness (e.g., Nineveh's population), its predominant and most significant usage in the biblical text is to describe the unparalleled attributes of God. Gôdel encapsulates God's supreme power, majesty, and unsearchable nature, emphasizing His transcendence and omnipotence. It is a foundational concept that inspires worship, affirms His covenant faithfulness, and highlights His unique position as the incomparable Creator and Redeemer. The recognition of God's gôdel calls believers to a posture of awe, trust, and boundless praise for His infinite worth.
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