גָּדַל (ga.dal)
ga.dal
to magnify
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 98 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb gadal describes the process of becoming large, powerful, or significant. Its core meaning covers physical growth, as when a child matures into adulthood, but it frequently extends to social status and honor. In Genesis, this word tracks how individuals like Isaac gained wealth and influence (Genesis 26:13), while in Daniel it highlights God’s supreme authority over kings and empires.
Etymologically, the root is linked to twisting or braiding, suggesting that greatness is often woven together from multiple strands of strength or experience. The verb appears in several grammatical forms, allowing speakers to describe someone growing up on their own, being raised by others, or actively magnifying a reputation. This flexibility lets the text distinguish between natural development and deliberate promotion.
Translators often render gadal as "magnify" when the context involves praising God’s name or deeds, such as in Psalm 18:50. In these instances, the word carries theological weight, pointing to a greatness that is recognized and declared by others rather than claimed privately. The term thus bridges the gap between internal growth and external recognition.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word gadal captures more than just physical size; it describes a process of becoming significant through time and experience. When Scripture speaks of someone growing great, it often points to a life shaped by God’s presence. We see this in the lives of figures like Samuel or Moses, whose influence expanded as they remained faithful in their daily walk.
This growth is not merely about accumulating power or wealth, though those can be part of the story. It is fundamentally about character and reputation before God and others. As we mature in our faith, we too are invited to become vessels through which God’s goodness is recognized. The journey from childhood to adulthood mirrors our spiritual development, where trust deepens and our impact on the world around us becomes more visible.
Consider how God magnified Joshua in the eyes of Israel, not for his own glory, but so the people would know His presence was with them. Your life, too, is a canvas for such divine work. As you navigate seasons of change and challenge, remember that true greatness is woven from faithfulness, patience, and love. May you find peace in knowing that God is actively shaping your story, turning ordinary moments into a testimony of His enduring grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 98 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ he grew up8×
- he has made great5×
- they had grown up4×
- it has magnified itself3×
- and/ he became great3×
- and/ becoming great3×
- you are great2×
- may it be great2×
- it will be great2×
- it was great2×
- it magnified itself2×
- it is great2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- גָּדְל֣וּ4×
- יִגְדַּ֣ל3×
- וַ/יִּגְדַּל֙3×
- וַ/יִּגְדַּ֖ל3×
- הִגְדִּ֖יל3×
- וַ/יִּגְדָּ֑ל2×
- וְ/יִגְדַּ֨ל2×
- וְ/גָד֑וֹל2×
- הִגְדִּֽיל\׃2×
- הִגְדִּ֥יל2×
- הִגְדִּ֣יל2×
- הִגְדִּ֑יל2×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 26:13
The man grew great, and grew more and more until he became very great.
This verse illustrates how physical prosperity and social status can increase progressively, serving as a visible sign of God's blessing on Abraham's lineage.
-
Joshua 4:14
On that day, Yahweh magnified Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they feared him, as they feared Moses, all the days of his life.
Here the word is used to describe God elevating Joshua’s reputation among the people to confirm his leadership and continuity with Moses.
-
I Samuel 3:19
Samuel grew, and Yahweh was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground.
Samuel’s growth is linked directly to God’s presence, showing that spiritual maturity results in words that carry weight and do not fall to the ground.
-
Genesis 21:8
The child grew and was weaned. Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned.
The weaning of Isaac marks a specific milestone in physical development, highlighting the natural progression of childhood into youth within a covenant family.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does gadal mean in the Bible?
How is gadal different from other words for greatness?
Where does this word appear in Scripture?
Every Occurrence (98 verses across 29 books)
Genesis 12 verses
I will make of you a great nation. I will bless you and make your name great. You will be a blessing.
Genesis 19:13for we will destroy this place, because the outcry against them has grown so great before Yahweh that Yahweh has sent…
Genesis 19:19See now, your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have magnified your loving kindness, which you have shown…
Genesis 21:8The child grew and was weaned. Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned.
Genesis 21:20God was with the boy, and he grew. He lived in the wilderness, and as he grew up, he became an archer.
Genesis 24:35Yahweh has blessed my master greatly. He has become great. Yahweh has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, male…
Genesis 25:27The boys grew. Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field. Jacob was a quiet man, living in tents.
Genesis 26:13The man grew great, and grew more and more until he became very great.
Genesis 38:11Then Judah said to Tamar, his daughter-in-law, “Remain a widow in your father’s house, until Shelah, my son, is grown…
Genesis 38:14She took off the garments of her widowhood, and covered herself with her veil, and wrapped herself, and sat in the gate…
Genesis 41:40You shall be over my house. All my people will be ruled according to your word. Only in the throne I will be greater…
Genesis 48:19His father refused, and said, “I know, my son, I know. He also will become a people, and he also will be great.…