גִּדֵּל (gid.del)
gid.del
Giddel
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Giddel, or gid.del, appears only four times in the Hebrew Bible, specifically within the lists of returnees in Ezra and Nehemiah. It functions as a proper noun for a man who led a family group back from Babylonian exile under Zerubbabel’s leadership. The sources identify him as the head of either the Nethinim, or temple servants, or the descendants of Solomon’s servants.
Etymologically, the name means "very great." This is a significant detail because it elevates a figure who is otherwise mentioned only in genealogical records. While most names in these lists are simple identifiers, Giddel carries an adjective of magnitude, suggesting that his family held a position of notable status or responsibility among those rebuilding the community.
The repetition of this name in both Ezra 2:47 and 56 highlights the careful preservation of lineage during the restoration period. By recording the heads of these specific servant groups, the text underscores the importance of organized service in the renewed temple worship. The name itself serves as a lasting marker of dignity for those who returned to rebuild their religious life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Giddel appears in the genealogical lists of Ezra and Nehemiah, marking a leader who guided his family back from exile. Etymologically meaning "very great," it suggests that this individual held a position of significant responsibility among the returnees. While he is not a central character in narrative history, his inclusion highlights the value placed on organized service and lineage during the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
For believers today, this name serves as a quiet reminder that God honors faithful stewardship, even when it happens behind the scenes. The careful recording of these names shows that every family and leader played a part in restoring worship. It encourages us to trust that our own contributions, however small they may seem, are known and valued by God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Giddel4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- גִדֵּֽל\׃2×
- גִדֵּ֥ל1×
- גִדֵּ֖ל1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 2:47
the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, the children of Reaiah,
This verse identifies Giddel as the head of a group, establishing his role in leading others back to Jerusalem.
-
Nehemiah 7:49
the children of Hanan, the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar,
The repetition here confirms the preservation of family identity and leadership structure during the restoration period.