from גָּדַל and יָהּ; magnified of Jah; Jigdaljah, an Israelite; Igdaliah.
Transliteration:Yigdalyâhûw
Pronunciation:yig-dal-yaw'-hoo
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name יִגְדַּלְיָהוּ (Yigdalyâhûw), transliterated as Igdaliah, is a composite theophoric name derived from two significant elements. The first component is the verb גָּדַל (gâdal, `{{H1431}}`), meaning "to be great, become great, grow, magnify." This root is widely used in the Old Testament to describe God's inherent greatness, His acts of making great, or the growth and development of individuals or nations. The second component is יָהּ (Yah, `{{H3050}}`), a shortened form of the divine name YHWH (Yahweh), emphasizing the personal, covenantal God of Israel.
Synthesizing these elements, יִגְדַּלְיָהוּ carries the profound meaning "magnified of Jah" or "Yahweh is great/magnifies." The passive sense, "magnified of Jah," suggests that the individual named is one whom God has caused to be great, or through whom God's greatness is demonstrated. The active sense, "Yahweh magnifies" or "Yahweh is great," serves as a direct theological affirmation, declaring God's inherent majesty and His power to exalt. Both interpretations underscore a deep theological conviction regarding God's sovereignty and His active presence in human affairs.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name יִגְדַּלְיָהוּ (Yigdalyâhûw) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in the book of Jeremiah:
* **[[Jeremiah 35:4]]**: "And I brought them into the house of the Lord, into the chamber of the sons of Hanan, the son of Igdaliah, a man of God, which was by the chamber of the princes, which was above the chamber of Maaseiah the son of Shallum, the keeper of the door."
In this sole occurrence, Igdaliah is identified as the father of Hanan, who is notably described as "a man of God" (אִישׁ הָאֱלֹהִים). The context is Jeremiah's prophetic object lesson involving the Rechabites, who faithfully adhered to their ancestor Jonadab's command to live a nomadic, abstinent life. Jeremiah brings them into a chamber within the Temple complex, specifically "the chamber of the sons of Hanan, the son of Igdaliah, a man of God."
The description "a man of God" typically denotes a prophet, a divinely appointed messenger, or someone of exceptional piety and spiritual authority (e.g., Moses, Elijah, Elisha). While Igdaliah himself is not explicitly called "a man of God," his son Hanan is. This suggests that Igdaliah belonged to a lineage known for its devotion and perhaps prophetic service. The location of their chamber within the Temple further implies a connection to the Levitical or priestly service, or at least a respected position within the religious community. The name "Igdaliah" itself, meaning "Yahweh is great" or "magnified by Yahweh," would have been a fitting appellation for a family associated with divine service and piety, reflecting a household's theological orientation and perhaps a legacy of divine favor or exaltation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary root related to יִגְדַּלְיָהוּ is גָּדַל (gâdal, `{{H1431}}`). This verb is foundational to understanding the name's depth. It is used extensively to describe:
* **God's greatness and majesty**: "Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised" ([[Psalm 145:3]]).
* **God's acts of making great**: "The Lord has done great things for us" ([[Psalm 126:3]]).
* **Human growth and prosperity**: "The child grew and became strong" ([[Genesis 21:8]]).
* **Magnification or exaltation**: "Exalt the Lord our God" ([[Psalm 99:5]]).
The divine element יָהּ (Yah, `{{H3050}}`) is a crucial component, appearing in numerous biblical names (e.g., Isaiah `{{H3470}}`, Jeremiah `{{H3414}}`, Zechariah `{{H2148}}`), affirming God's personal involvement and sovereignty.
Other Hebrew names incorporating גָּדַל include Gedaliah (`{{H1436}}`), meaning "Yahweh is great," which is structurally similar to Igdaliah, but without the initial *yod* that might suggest a jussive or future tense. The concept of divine magnification is also present in words like גְּדֻלָּה (gᵉdullâ, `{{H1432}}`), meaning "greatness" or "magnificence," often referring to God's inherent character.
The name Igdaliah thus stands in a rich semantic field that emphasizes the attributes of God: His greatness, His power to elevate, and His active role in the lives of His people. It points to a worldview where God is the ultimate source of all true greatness and where human significance is often found in being "magnified by Him."
### Theological Significance
The name יִגְדַּלְיָהוּ carries profound theological weight, serving as a miniature confession of faith. First, it proclaims the inherent and incomparable greatness of Yahweh. In a world prone to elevating human achievements or false deities, the name stands as a perpetual reminder that only God is truly great and worthy of ultimate praise and honor. This aligns with numerous biblical affirmations of God's majesty, such as "Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised" ([[Psalm 96:4]]).
Second, the name implies divine agency in human experience. Whether interpreted as "Yahweh is great" (and thus the source of all greatness) or "magnified by Yahweh," it points to God's power to elevate, bless, and use individuals for His purposes. For Igdaliah, and especially for his son Hanan, "a man of God," the name may have served as a testament to God's gracious hand upon their lives, perhaps signifying divine calling, spiritual stature, or a legacy of faithfulness that God had honored and magnified. It suggests that true significance comes not from self-exaltation but from being recognized and empowered by God.
Finally, the context of [[Jeremiah 35]] adds another layer of significance. The Rechabites' faithfulness to their ancestor's command stands in stark contrast to Judah's disobedience to God's commands. The fact that this object lesson takes place in the chamber of Hanan, son of Igdaliah, "a man of God," subtly reinforces the theme of faithfulness and the divine recognition of those who honor God. The name Igdaliah, meaning "Yahweh is great," would have resonated deeply in such a setting, underscoring that God's greatness is revealed not only in His power but also in His justice and His covenant faithfulness to those who obey Him.
### Summary
יִגְדַּלְיָהוּ (Yigdalyâhûw), or Igdaliah, is a Hebrew name meaning "magnified of Jah" or "Yahweh is great/magnifies." Derived from גָּדַל (gâdal, `{{H1431}}`) and יָהּ (Yah, `{{H3050}}`), it serves as a powerful theological statement affirming God's supreme greatness and His active role in elevating individuals. Appearing only once in [[Jeremiah 35:4]], Igdaliah is identified as the father of Hanan, "a man of God," suggesting a lineage of piety and divine favor. The name encapsulates the biblical truth that all true greatness originates from God, and that human significance is often found in being magnified by His divine hand, reflecting His glory and character.
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