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.
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.
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.
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.
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