or (prolonged) גְּדַלְיָהוּ; from גָּדַל and יָהּ; Jah has become great; Gedaljah, the name of five Israelites; Gedaliah.
Transliteration:Gᵉdalyâh
Pronunciation:ghed-al-yaw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name גְּדַּלְיָה (Gᵉdalyâh, `{{H1436}}`), also appearing in the prolonged form גְּדַלְיָהוּ, is a theophoric name derived from two components: the verb גָּדַל (gadal, `{{H1431}}`), meaning "to be great, to grow, to magnify," and יָהּ (yah, `{{H3050}}`), a shortened form of the divine name YHWH. Thus, the name's core meaning is "Jah has become great" or "YHWH is great." This signifies an active declaration or recognition of God's inherent and manifested greatness. The semantic range points not to the greatness of the individual bearing the name, but rather to the superlative nature and actions of the divine. It is a theological statement embedded within a personal identifier, affirming God's majesty and sovereignty.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Gedaliah appears associated with at least five distinct individuals in the Hebrew Bible, each context providing a unique facet to the name's significance:
1. **Gedaliah, son of Ahikam:** This is the most prominent bearer of the name. After the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar appointed Gedaliah as governor over the remnant of Judah ([[2 Kings 25:22]], [[Jeremiah 40:5]]). He was a man of integrity and sought to bring stability and peace to the devastated land, urging the people to submit to Babylonian rule ([[Jeremiah 40:9-10]]). Despite Jeremiah's endorsement ([[Jeremiah 39:14]], [[Jeremiah 40:6]]), Gedaliah was tragically assassinated by Ishmael son of Nethaniah, a member of the royal family, leading to the final dispersion of the Jewish remnant into Egypt ([[2 Kings 25:25]], [[Jeremiah 41:1-18]], [[Jeremiah 43:6]]). His story, though brief, is pivotal in the post-exilic narrative, highlighting the ongoing consequences of disobedience and the fragility of peace in a time of divine judgment. The irony of "YHWH is great" being associated with such a tragic figure underscores God's greatness even in judgment and the unfolding of His sovereign plan.
2. **Gedaliah, son of Zephaniah:** This Gedaliah is identified as the grandfather of the prophet Zephaniah ([[Zephaniah 1:1]]). Beyond his lineage, no specific actions or roles are recorded for him, yet his name, "YHWH is great," stands at the head of a prophetic book, subtly affirming the God whose message Zephaniah delivers.
3. **Gedaliah, a priest and musician:** One of the sons of Jeduthun, a temple musician during the reign of King David ([[1 Chronicles 25:3]]). He was chosen by lot to lead the second of the twenty-four divisions of temple musicians, whose role was "to prophesy with lyres, harps, and cymbals" ([[1 Chronicles 25:3]], [[1 Chronicles 25:9]]). In this context, the name "YHWH is great" perfectly aligns with the act of worship and magnifying God through sacred music.
4. **Gedaliah, son of Pashhur:** This individual was one of the officials who falsely accused the prophet Jeremiah and sought to have him executed by throwing him into a cistern ([[Jeremiah 38:1]]). This Gedaliah stands in stark contrast to Gedaliah son of Ahikam, who protected Jeremiah. Here, the name "YHWH is great" is borne by an antagonist of God's prophet, illustrating that the name's theological meaning is a statement about God, not necessarily about the character of the one bearing it.
5. **Gedaliah, one who married a foreign wife:** Listed among those who had married foreign wives during the time of Ezra's reforms ([[Ezra 10:18]]). He was a priest, a son of Jeshua, and was required to put away his foreign wife and offer a ram for his guilt ([[Ezra 10:18-19]]). This occurrence highlights the tension between the theological declaration of God's greatness and the human failures that required repentance and covenant renewal.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for גְּדַּלְיָה is its root verb גָּדַל (gadal, `{{H1431}}`), which conveys concepts of growth, magnitude, and exaltation. This root is used extensively throughout the Hebrew Bible to describe God's attributes and actions, such as His great power ([[Deuteronomy 5:24]]), His great deeds ([[Psalm 126:2-3]]), and His great name ([[Ezekiel 36:23]]). The suffix יָהּ (yah, `{{H3050}}`) links the name directly to the divine name YHWH, emphasizing the source of all greatness.
Related concepts include:
* **Theophoric names:** Names that incorporate a divine element, common in the ancient Near East, serving as affirmations of faith or petitions (e.g., Isaiah - "Salvation of YHWH," Jeremiah - "YHWH will uplift").
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The name implicitly declares God's ultimate control and authority over all things, even in times of national crisis.
* **Divine Magnificence:** It points to the inherent glory, majesty, and transcendence of God.
* **Worship and Praise:** To "magnify" God is a central act of worship, aligning with the role of Gedaliah the musician.
### Theological Significance
The name Gedalyah serves as a profound theological statement: "YHWH is great." This declaration is a cornerstone of biblical theology. It affirms God's supreme power, wisdom, and majesty, transcending all human limitations and circumstances. Even when borne by individuals whose lives ended tragically (like Gedaliah the governor) or who acted in opposition to God's will (like Gedaliah son of Pashhur), the name itself remains a constant testament to God's unchanging nature.
The theological significance is particularly poignant in the context of the Babylonian exile. When Judah was devastated, its temple destroyed, and its people scattered, the very name Gedalyah served as a stark reminder that God's greatness was not diminished by national catastrophe. Indeed, His greatness was demonstrated even through the judgments He brought upon His people, fulfilling His prophetic word. The name thus underscores the truth that God's greatness is not contingent on human success or well-being, but is an intrinsic attribute that stands firm through all historical events. It calls the observer to look beyond human agency and see the hand of the great God at work.
### Summary
The name גְּדַּלְיָה (Gedalyah, `{{H1436}}`) is a powerful theophoric name meaning "YHWH is great" or "Jah has become great." Rooted in גָּדַל (`{{H1431}}`, "to be great") and יָהּ (`{{H3050}}`, a form of YHWH), it serves as a direct theological declaration. While borne by various individuals in the Bible, including a governor whose tragic assassination marked a final phase of Judah's exile, a temple musician, and even an antagonist of Jeremiah, the name consistently points beyond the individual to the unchanging, supreme greatness of God. It is a constant reminder that God's majesty and sovereignty endure through all human circumstances, whether in worship, judgment, or the unfolding of His divine plan. The name Gedalyah ultimately compels a recognition that true greatness belongs to the Lord alone.
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