Lexical Summary Gaddiel: Gaddiel Original Word: גַּדִּיאֵל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Gaddiel From gad and 'el; fortune of God; Gaddiel, an Israelite -- Gaddiel. see HEBREW gad see HEBREW 'el NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom gad and el Definition "El is my fortune," an Isr. NASB Translation Gaddiel (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs גַּדִּיאֵל proper name, masculine (El is my fortune) a man of Zebulun Numbers 13:10. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Theological Nuance Gaddiel combines the root linked to “fortune” or “portion” with the divine title “El,” conveying the confession that one’s portion is secured in God alone. In the era of the wilderness wanderings, when Israel was learning to trust the LORD for manna, water, and guidance, such a name quietly preached dependence on divine provision rather than human calculation. Biblical Appearance and Narrative Role Gaddiel surfaces once, in Numbers 13:10, where Moses selects twelve representatives—one from each tribe—“to spy out the land of Canaan” (Numbers 13:2). From the tribe of Zebulun, the choice is “Gaddiel son of Sodi” (Numbers 13:10). Although the text offers no specific remarks on his conduct, the broader narrative shows that ten spies brought back a fearful report, while Caleb and Joshua trusted the LORD (Numbers 13:30–31; 14:6–9). Whether Gaddiel aligned with the faithful or the fearful is not explicitly stated; however, the subsequent divine judgment on the ten faithless spies (Numbers 14:36–38) implies he likely shared in their unbelief. His silence in the narrative thus serves as a solemn caution against blending a theologically rich name with a faith-poor response. Tribal Significance: Zebulun’s Calling Zebulun was destined for “the haven of the seas” (Genesis 49:13) and later celebrated for rejoicing in its going-out for trade and missions (Deuteronomy 33:18–19). Gaddiel, bearing Zebulun’s mandate, stood on the threshold of the land that would enable that calling. His failure—if he joined the majority—illustrates how individual unbelief can delay corporate destiny, as Israel wandered forty additional years. Ministry Lessons 1. Calling does not guarantee faithfulness. A God-honoring name and tribal promise must be matched by obedient action (James 1:22). Intertextual Echoes The spy episode anticipates the New Testament theme that entrance into God’s rest is forfeited through unbelief (Hebrews 4:1–11). Gaddiel’s generation “fell in the wilderness” (Hebrews 3:17), while believers today are urged, “Encourage one another daily… so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:13). Legacy in Jewish and Christian Tradition Rabbinic lists generally count Gaddiel among the ten unfaithful spies, reinforcing the moral lesson of Numbers 13–14. Christian commentaries likewise cite him as an example of nominal allegiance overshadowed by practical unbelief. His name therefore functions paradoxically: it proclaims God as portion, yet history remembers him for forfeiting the immediate enjoyment of that portion. Application for Contemporary Discipleship The single mention of Gaddiel invites modern readers to hold together confession and conduct. Churches and ministries bear titles that glorify God; leaders must ensure their reports about present challenges likewise magnify His power. As Joshua’s and Caleb’s faith ushered a new generation into Canaan, so steadfast trust today advances the mission of making disciples “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Forms and Transliterations גַּדִּיאֵ֖ל גדיאל gad·dî·’êl gaddî’êl gaddiElLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 13:10 HEB: לְמַטֵּ֣ה זְבוּלֻ֔ן גַּדִּיאֵ֖ל בֶּן־ סוֹדִֽי׃ NAS: of Zebulun, Gaddiel the son KJV: of Zebulun, Gaddiel the son INT: the tribe of Zebulun Gaddiel the son of Sodi 1 Occurrence |
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