Original Word: גָּדֵל
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: gadel
Pronunciation: gah-DEL
Phonetic Spelling: (gaw-dale')
KJV: great, grew
NASB: greater, grow richer, stature
Word Origin: [from H1431 (גָּדַל - grew)]

1. large (literally or figuratively)

great, grew

From gadal; large (literally or figuratively) -- great, grew.

see HEBREW gadal

Word Origin
from gadal
Definition
becoming great, growing up
NASB Translation
greater (1), grow richer (1), growing* (1), lustful* (1), stature (1).

גָּדֵל participle masculine or

verbal adjective becoming great, growing up, Genesis 26:13 (J) 1 Samuel 2:26 (compare Dr) 2 Chronicles 17:12; also great, plural construct גִּדִלֵי בָשָׂר Ezekiel 16:26 great of flesh.

Meaning and Nuances

גָּדֵל (gāḏēl) conveys the idea of becoming great, growing or increasing, whether in physical stature, political power, or moral influence. While rooted in the broader verb גָּדַל (to grow, be great), this adjectival form highlights the state of attained magnitude rather than the process alone, allowing the context to determine whether the emphasis is positive (favored growth) or negative (swelling arrogance or sensual excess).

Occurrences in Scripture

1 Samuel 2:26 – The boy Samuel “continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men”. Here גָּדֵל portrays wholesome, God-given advancement in both body and reputation, foreshadowing Luke 2:52 and underscoring the Lord’s delight in balanced development.

2 Chronicles 17:12 – “Jehoshaphat grew stronger and stronger, and he built fortresses and store cities in Judah”. The term marks the king’s expanding influence under divine blessing, illustrating how covenant faithfulness (verses 3-6) translates into national security and prosperity.

Ezekiel 16:26 – Israel “played the harlot with the Egyptians, your lustful neighbors” (literally, “great of flesh”). The word becomes an ironic indictment: Israel seeks greatness by alliance with a nation famed for physical prowess, only to incur Yahweh’s wrath. The same root that blesses when aligned with God condemns when misdirected toward idolatry.

Thematic Connections

• Growth as Divine Favor

Samuel and Jehoshaphat demonstrate that authentic greatness stems from the Lord’s initiative and responds in obedience (Psalm 18:35; Proverbs 3:34).

• Growth as a Test of Fidelity

Ezekiel 16 exposes how the pursuit of worldly “greatness” without holiness degenerates into moral compromise (cf. Deuteronomy 17:16-17; Isaiah 31:1).

• Prototype of Messianic Maturity

Samuel’s description anticipates Jesus Christ, who “grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52). Both accounts stress holistic growth shaped by God’s purpose.

Historical Insights

During Samuel’s boyhood, Israel was transitioning from priest-judge leadership to monarchy. His godly growth contrasted sharply with Eli’s corrupt sons, signaling renewal. Jehoshaphat’s reign (873-848 BC) followed the apostasy of Asa’s later years; his strengthened kingdom stood as a bulwark against surrounding idolatry. Ezekiel’s oracle (c. 592 BC) addressed exiles in Babylon, reminding them that their lust for political greatness through Egypt had precipitated judgment.

Ministry Implications

1. Personal Discipleship – Believers are called to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). גָּדֵל urges balanced advancement—spiritual, relational, and practical.

2. Leadership – Like Jehoshaphat, faithful leaders leverage God-given growth for the protection and edification of God’s people, avoiding pride or exploitative alliances (1 Peter 5:2-3).

3. Corporate Holiness – Ezekiel’s warning cautions congregations against seeking numerical or political “greatness” at the expense of covenant purity (Revelation 2:20-23).

Doctrinal Reflection

True greatness is derivative, bestowed by God and accountable to Him. Whether in individuals, kings, or nations, גָּדֵל confronts humanity with a choice: steward growth in humble obedience or pervert it into self-aggrandizement. Scripture’s unified witness affirms that only greatness anchored in the fear of the LORD endures (Psalm 112:1-3; Matthew 23:11-12).

Summary

גָּדֵל encapsulates a biblical theology of growth—celebrated when aligned with God’s will, censured when misused. Each occurrence serves as a mirror for God’s people, inviting them to pursue a greatness that reflects His character and advances His redemptive purposes.

גִּדְלֵ֣י גדלי וְגָדֵ֖ל וגדל giḏ·lê giḏlê gidLei vegaDel wə·ḡā·ḏêl wəḡāḏêlInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts