from גָּדַל; I have made great; Giddalti, an Israelite; Giddalti.
Transliteration:Giddaltîy
Pronunciation:ghid-dal'-tee
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma גִּדַּלְתִּי (Giddaltîy), Strong's number `{{H1437}}`, is a proper noun derived from the root גָּדַל (gadal), Strong's number `{{H1431}}`. The root גָּדַל primarily signifies "to be great," "to become great," "to grow," or "to make great." It can denote physical growth, social or political prominence, or divine exaltation.
In its form גִּדַּלְתִּי, the name carries the meaning "I have made great" or "He has made me great." This form is a Piel perfect, first person common singular, suggesting an active declaration or a statement about divine action. As a proper name, "Giddalti" functions as a testimony or a declaration of the greatness bestowed upon an individual, likely by God. It encapsulates the idea of divine elevation or the acknowledgment of God's hand in one's prosperity or significance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name גִּדַּלְתִּי (Giddaltîy) occurs only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[1 Chronicles 25:4]].
In this sole occurrence, Giddalti is listed as one of the fourteen sons of Heman, a prominent Levite musician appointed by King David to lead the temple service. The passage in [[1 Chronicles 25]] details the organization of the temple musicians, with Heman, Asaph, and Jeduthun (or Ethan) serving as the chief choirmasters. Giddalti is specifically noted as one of Heman's sons, all of whom were "horn players" (or "lifted up the horn," perhaps indicating a specific instrument or a posture of praise) and were "sons of the king to exalt the horn of salvation." This context places Giddalti within a lineage dedicated to sacred worship and musical service in the house of the Lord.
The inclusion of Giddalti among the divinely appointed musicians underscores the significance of his role, despite his singular mention. His name, "I have made great" or "He has made me great," resonates powerfully within this context. It suggests that his very existence and his appointment to such a sacred duty were seen as a testament to God's empowering and exalting hand.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for גִּדַּלְתִּי (Giddaltîy) is its root, גָּדַל (gadal), `{{H1431}}`. This root is pervasive throughout the Hebrew Bible, appearing in various verbal stems (Qal, Piel, Hiphil, Hithpael) and nominal forms, signifying concepts such as:
* **Physical growth:** e.g., a child growing up ([[Genesis 21:8]]).
* **Social or political prominence:** e.g., a person becoming powerful or important ([[Genesis 26:13]]).
* **Divine exaltation or magnification:** often used to describe God making someone great ([[Genesis 12:2]], [[Joshua 3:7]]) or humans magnifying God's name ([[Psalm 34:3]]).
Other names derived from גָּדַל also appear, such as Migdal (meaning "tower" or "fortress," a place of great height or strength) or various personal names that imply greatness or divine elevation. The concept of God "making great" is deeply ingrained in biblical theology, seen in the lives of figures like Abraham, David, and Joseph, whose paths were divinely orchestrated for their elevation and the fulfillment of God's purposes. The "-ti" ending, while here part of a proper noun, echoes the first-person perfect verbal form, reinforcing the idea of a personal experience of divine action.
### Theological Significance
The name Giddalti, meaning "I have made great" or "He has made me great," carries profound theological significance, particularly within the context of his role as a temple musician.
1. **Divine Empowerment for Service:** Giddalti's name serves as a living testimony to God's sovereign power to elevate and equip individuals for His service. His position as a musician in the temple was not merely a human appointment but a divinely ordained role within the Levitical system. The name suggests that any "greatness" or effectiveness in his sacred task originated from God's enabling grace.
2. **Testimony of God's Faithfulness:** The name could reflect a parent's declaration at Giddalti's birth, acknowledging God's faithfulness in making their family or the child great. In a broader sense, it underscores the biblical principle that true greatness in God's kingdom is not self-achieved but is a gift from God, often manifested through humble service and obedience.
3. **Worship as a Response to Divine Greatness:** As a musician whose very name proclaimed divine exaltation, Giddalti's life and service would have been a perpetual act of worship. His music, offered in the temple, would have been a response to the God who "makes great," magnifying the One who bestows greatness upon His servants. His name reinforces the idea that those whom God elevates are called to use their elevated status for His glory.
4. **God's Attention to the "Lesser" Figures:** While Giddalti is mentioned only once, his inclusion in the detailed genealogies of 1 Chronicles highlights God's meticulous attention to every individual involved in His redemptive plan, even those not extensively featured in narrative accounts. Each name, each person, played a part in the grand tapestry of God's work, and many bore names that proclaimed His attributes or actions.
### Summary
גִּדַּלְתִּי (Giddaltîy), `{{H1437}}`, is a unique Hebrew proper noun derived from the root גָּדַל (gadal), meaning "to be great" or "to make great." The name itself translates to "I have made great" or "He has made me great," reflecting a declaration of divine elevation. Its sole biblical occurrence is in [[1 Chronicles 25:4]], where Giddalti is identified as one of the sons of Heman, a chief musician appointed by King David for temple service. This placement highlights the theological significance of the name, portraying Giddalti as one whom God had made great for the specific purpose of sacred worship. The name serves as a powerful reminder that true greatness stems from God's sovereign hand, enabling individuals for His purposes and calling them to magnify His name through their lives and service.
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