from גָּדַל; stout; Giddel, the name of one of the Nethinim, also of one of 'Solomon's servants'; Giddel.
Transliteration:Giddêl
Pronunciation:ghid-dale'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H1435}}` (Giddêl) is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its base definition indicates its derivation from the root `{{H1431}}` (gadal), which carries the fundamental meaning "to be great," "to become large," "to grow," or "to be magnified." The associated meaning "stout" in the Strong's definition for `{{H1435}}` reflects an outcome of this growth or enlargement, implying something that has become substantial or robust. Thus, the name Giddel inherently conveys the sense of "made great," "magnified," or "grown large." It is a passive or resultant form, suggesting that the "greatness" is something that has happened to or been bestowed upon the individual.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Giddel appears four times in the Hebrew Bible, consistently referring to two distinct groups of temple servants who returned from the Babylonian exile.
1. **Giddel of the Nethinim:** This Giddel is listed among the Nethinim, a class of temple servants. The Nethinim were often non-Israelites (perhaps descendants of the Gibeonites or other conquered peoples) who were dedicated to menial tasks in the tabernacle and later the Temple, such as drawing water and cutting wood. Their inclusion in the lists of those returning from exile highlights their continued, albeit humble, service in the restored community.
* [[Ezra 2:47]]: "the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, the children of Reaiah," appear in a list of Nethinim whose descendants returned with Zerubbabel.
* [[Nehemiah 7:49]]: This is a parallel passage to Ezra 2, reiterating the same list of Nethinim, including "the children of Giddel."
2. **Giddel of Solomon's Servants:** This Giddel is mentioned as one of "Solomon's servants," another group of individuals (likely descendants of non-Israelite captives whom Solomon pressed into service) who also performed various support roles for the Temple and royal administration. Like the Nethinim, their role was one of service and support, crucial for the functioning of the post-exilic community.
* [[Ezra 2:56]]: "the children of Giddel, the children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil," are listed among the descendants of Solomon's servants who returned from exile.
* [[Nehemiah 7:58]]: Again, a parallel passage, confirming the presence of "the children of Giddel" among Solomon's servants in the list of returnees.
In both instances, Giddel is not a prominent figure; rather, his name (or the name of his family line) is included in genealogical lists that emphasize the collective effort of the returning exiles to re-establish the worship and community life in Jerusalem. The context underscores the importance of every individual and family, even those in service roles, in the divine plan of restoration.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for `{{H1435}}` is its root, `{{H1431}}` (gadal). This root is highly significant in Hebrew, conveying a broad semantic field related to size, stature, importance, and growth.
* **`{{H1431}}` (gadal):** The verb form, meaning "to be great, become great, grow, be magnified, be strong." It is used to describe physical growth (e.g., a child growing up), increase in power or status (e.g., a king becoming great), or the magnification of God's name or deeds.
* **`{{H1419}}` (gadol):** The adjective derived from `{{H1431}}`, meaning "great, large, mighty, important." This is one of the most common adjectives in the Hebrew Bible, frequently describing God's attributes (e.g., "great God," "great power") or significant events.
* **`{{H1432}}` (godel):** The noun form, meaning "greatness, magnitude, pride." It can refer to the inherent greatness of God or the often-negative concept of human pride.
The name Giddel thus stands within a rich lexical family that speaks to the concept of "greatness" in various forms—physical, numerical, social, and theological. While Giddel itself refers to individuals, its etymology points to the broader biblical understanding of growth, prominence, and divine magnification.
### Theological Significance
While the individuals named Giddel are not central figures in biblical narrative, the meaning of their name, "made great" or "magnified," holds subtle but profound theological significance within the context of the returning exiles and God's covenant faithfulness.
1. **Divine Magnification in Humility:** The Nethinim and Solomon's servants occupied humble, often menial, positions within the Temple structure. Yet, a family among them bears a name meaning "made great." This subtly underscores a recurring biblical theme: God's ability to elevate and bestow dignity upon those in humble service. It is not necessarily human achievement that grants greatness, but divine election and purpose. Even in tasks deemed lowly by human standards, God can "magnify" the lives and contributions of His servants.
2. **God's Greatness Manifested Through His People:** The very act of the return from exile was a testament to God's "greatness" and faithfulness in restoring His people. The inclusion of groups like the Nethinim and Solomon's servants, with names like Giddel, signifies that the restoration encompassed all who were part of the community, regardless of their social standing. Their very presence, bearing names that speak of "greatness," points to God's overarching plan to make His people great again, not through military might, but through spiritual restoration and faithful service.
3. **The Significance of Names:** In ancient Israel, names often carried prophetic or descriptive weight, reflecting a person's character, destiny, or the circumstances of their birth. While we know little about the lives of these specific Giddels, the persistence of their family name across generations, meaning "made great," could serve as a quiet reminder of God's power to elevate and honor even those whose contributions might otherwise seem unremarkable. It speaks to the divine perspective, where every faithful participant in His work is valued and, in His eyes, "made great."
### Summary
`{{H1435}}` (Giddêl) is a Hebrew proper noun, a personal or family name meaning "made great," "magnified," or "grown large," derived from the root `{{H1431}}` (gadal). It appears in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, identifying two distinct groups of temple servants—the Nethinim and the servants of Solomon—whose descendants returned from Babylonian exile. Though these individuals are not prominent figures, the meaning of their name offers a quiet theological insight. It suggests that God has the power to "make great" or "magnify" even those in humble positions of service, demonstrating His divine greatness through the faithful participation of all members of His covenant community. The inclusion of such a name in the lists of returnees subtly reinforces the idea that every individual, regardless of social status, plays a valued role in God's redemptive plan and is subject to His sovereign elevation.
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