### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **gôdel**, represented by `{{H1433}}`, denotes **magnitude**, **greatness**, or **stoutness**, both literally and figuratively. It appears **13 times** across **13 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is primarily used to describe the immense power and majesty of God, but it is also applied to the arrogant pride and might of human rulers.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H1433}}` is frequently invoked to express the awesome and visible power of God. The Israelites are reminded of the Lord's redemptive work, which was accomplished "through thy **greatness**" [[Deuteronomy 9:26]]. This **greatness** was something they witnessed directly, proclaiming, "the LORD our God hath shewed us his glory and his **greatness**" [[Deuteronomy 5:24]]. In contrast, the word is also used to characterize human pride. The Lord promises to punish the "stout heart of the king of Assyria" [[Isaiah 10:12]], and the prophet Ezekiel questions Pharaoh's might, asking, "Whom art thou like in thy **greatness**?" before predicting his fall [[Ezekiel 31:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the dual concepts of divine power and human pride associated with `{{H1433}}`:
* `{{H1369}}` **gᵉbûwrâh** (force, mastery, might): This word often appears alongside `{{H1433}}` to describe God's powerful acts. Moses' prayer acknowledges God's **greatness** and His **might** [[Deuteronomy 3:24]].
* `{{H2220}}` **zᵉrôwaʻ** (arm, force, power): This term for God's active power is directly linked to His magnitude. The psalmist pleads for God to act "according to the **greatness** of thy **power**" to save the prisoners [[Psalms 79:11]].
* `{{H1346}}` **gaʼăvâh** (arrogance, pride): This word is used in parallel with `{{H1433}}` to describe the negative quality of human hubris. The people of Ephraim and Samaria speak "in the **pride** and **stoutness** of heart" [[Isaiah 9:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H1433}}` is demonstrated in its application to both God and man.
* **The Foundation for Worship:** God's **greatness** is presented as a primary reason for praise. The command is given, "ascribe ye **greatness** unto our God" [[Deuteronomy 32:3]], and the Psalms call to "praise him according to his excellent **greatness**" [[Psalms 150:2]].
* **The Basis for Divine Appeal:** Characters in Scripture appeal to God's **greatness** as the basis for His mercy and intervention. Moses pleads with God to pardon Israel "according unto the **greatness** of thy mercy" [[Numbers 14:19]].
* **A Warning Against Human Pride:** The term serves as a stark warning when applied to humans. The "stoutness" of the king of Assyria [[Isaiah 10:12]] and the **greatness** of Pharaoh [[Ezekiel 31:18]] are qualities destined for judgment, highlighting the futility of human might when set against God's power.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1433}}` is a powerful word that contrasts the enduring, praiseworthy **greatness** of God with the transient and prideful **stoutness** of humanity. It functions as both an attribute of divine majesty, which is to be revered, and a mark of human arrogance, which is to be judged. The use of **gôdel** illustrates the biblical distinction between the infinite magnitude of the Creator and the finite might of the creation.
TRV