### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Gᵉdalyâh**, represented by `{{H1436}}`, means **"Jah has become great"**. It appears 32 times across 31 unique verses in the Bible and is the name given to five different Israelites. The most prominent individual with this name plays a critical role in the events following the Babylonian conquest of Judah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The biblical narrative centers on **Gedaliah** `{{H1436}}`, the son `{{H1121}}` of Ahikam `{{H296}}`, who was appointed `{{H6485}}` governor over the remnant `{{H7611}}` of the people `{{H5971}}` left in the land `{{H776}}` of Judah `{{H3063}}` by the king `{{H4428}}` of Babylon `{{H894}}` [[2 Kings 25:22]]. Stationed in Mizpah `{{H4708}}`, he urged the remaining Jews `{{H3064}}` to serve `{{H5647}}` the king of Babylon, assuring them that it would be well `{{H3190}}` with them [[Jeremiah 40:9]]. His leadership was tragically cut short when Ishmael `{{H3458}}`, of the royal `{{H4410}}` seed `{{H2233}}`, came with ten `{{H6235}}` men `{{H582}}` and, after eating `{{H398}}` bread `{{H3899}}` with him, smote `{{H5221}}` Gedaliah with the sword `{{H2719}}` and slew `{{H4191}}` him [[Jeremiah 41:1-2]]. Other men named Gedaliah include a son `{{H1121}}` of Pashur `{{H6583}}` [[Jeremiah 38:1]], a priest `{{H3548}}` who took a strange `{{H5237}}` wife `{{H802}}` [[Ezra 10:18]], a Levite musician [[1 Chronicles 25:3]], and an ancestor of the prophet `{{H5030}}` Zephaniah `{{H6846}}` [[Zephaniah 1:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are central to the story of Gedaliah the governor:
* `{{H6485}}` **pâqad** (appoint, make overseer): This verb establishes Gedaliah's authority, as he was made governor `{{H6485}}` by the king `{{H4428}}` of Babylon `{{H894}}` over the cities `{{H5892}}` of Judah `{{H3063}}` and the people `{{H5971}}` who remained ([[Jeremiah 40:5]], [[2 Kings 25:22]]).
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (smite, slay): This word describes the violent end of Gedaliah's governorship. Ishmael `{{H3458}}` smote `{{H5221}}` Gedaliah, killing him [[2 Kings 25:25]], along with the Jews `{{H3064}}` and Chaldeans `{{H3778}}` who were with him at Mizpah `{{H4709}}` [[Jeremiah 41:3]].
* `{{H7611}}` **shᵉʼêrîyth** (remnant, residue): Gedaliah's entire story revolves around the remnant `{{H7611}}` of Judah `{{H3063}}` left `{{H5414}}` by the king of Babylon [[Jeremiah 40:11]]. His murder caused this remnant to scatter `{{H6327}}` and perish `{{H6}}` [[Jeremiah 40:15]].
* `{{H539}}` **ʼâman** (believe, trust): Gedaliah's tragic fate was sealed by his failure to believe `{{H539}}` the warning from Johanan `{{H3110}}` that Ishmael `{{H3458}}` had been sent `{{H7971}}` to kill him [[Jeremiah 40:14]].
### Theological Significance
The story of Gedaliah carries significant theological weight regarding leadership and trust in times of crisis.
* **Appointed Leadership:** In the aftermath of judgment, God still provided a structure of governance for His people through Gedaliah, who was appointed `{{H6485}}` governor over the remnant `{{H7611}}` [[2 Kings 25:22]]. He was entrusted with the care of the prophet Jeremiah `{{H3414}}` and the poorest `{{H1803}}` of the land ([[Jeremiah 39:14]], [[Jeremiah 40:7]]).
* **The Peril of Betrayal:** The narrative highlights the destructive nature of internal betrayal. Ishmael `{{H3458}}`, a man of royal `{{H4410}}` seed `{{H2233}}`, murdered the appointed governor, shattering the fragile peace and causing the final remnant in Judah `{{H3063}}` to scatter `{{H6327}}` in fear ([[Jeremiah 40:15]], [[Jeremiah 41:18]]).
* **Consequences of Misplaced Trust:** Gedaliah was explicitly warned that Baalis `{{H1185}}`, king of the Ammonites `{{H5983}}`, had sent Ishmael `{{H3458}}` to slay `{{H5221}}` him. However, Gedaliah did not believe `{{H539}}` the report, dismissing it as false `{{H8267}}` ([[Jeremiah 40:14]], [[Jeremiah 40:16]]). His failure to discern the truth led directly to his death and the ruin of the community he led.
### Summary
In summary, while the name **Gᵉdalyâh** `{{H1436}}` means "Jah has become great," its most memorable biblical appearance is tied to a story of great tragedy. The narrative of Gedaliah, the governor of Judah, is a poignant account of an attempt to rebuild after catastrophic loss, which is ultimately undone by betrayal and a fatal lack of discernment. His story serves as a critical historical marker for the remnant of Judah following the Babylonian exile.
TRV