גַּדִּיאֵל (gad.di.el)
gad.di.el
Gaddiel
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Gaddiel, whose name means "God is my fortune," appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Numbers 13:10. He was the son of Sodi and served as one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to scout the land of Canaan. Representing the tribe of Zebulun, his brief mention places him among the leaders chosen to assess the territory’s resources and inhabitants.
The etymology of his name highlights a personal reliance on divine provision rather than human strength. In the context of the espionage mission, this meaning carries significant weight, as the spies were tasked with evaluating a land that appeared fortified and dangerous. Gaddiel’s inclusion in this group reflects the broader narrative of Israel’s journey from slavery to settlement, where individual identities are tied to God’s overarching plan.
Although he does not speak or act further in the text, his presence underscores the diversity of tribes involved in the exploration. The source material confirms no additional details about his actions or fate, leaving his role strictly as a representative of Zebulun during this pivotal moment in Israelite history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When you look at the list of spies in Numbers, names like Caleb and Joshua stand out because they spoke up. But Gaddiel, representing the tribe of Zebulun, is mentioned with equal importance as one of the twelve chosen leaders. His name means "God is my fortune," a quiet reminder that our true security comes from God, not from what we can see or hold.
In a moment filled with fear and uncertainty about the land ahead, every spy carried this same reliance on divine provision. You do not need to be the loudest voice in the room to be part of God’s plan. Your steady presence and trust in His care are just as vital as bold declarations. He sees you, even when your role seems small or silent.
This story invites you to rest in the truth that God has assigned you a place in His unfolding work. Whether you are leading or supporting, your life matters to Him. Let this bring peace to your heart today, knowing you are held by the One who calls you by name.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Gaddiel1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- גַּדִּיאֵ֖ל1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 13:10
Of the tribe of Zebulun, Gaddiel the son of Sodi.
This verse identifies Gaddiel as the specific representative of Zebulun, anchoring his identity in tribal lineage and divine appointment rather than personal fame.