גְּדַלְיָה (ge.dal.yah)
ge.dal.yah
Gedaliah
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 31 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Gedaliah, meaning "Yahweh is great," appears in thirty-one verses across Kings, Chronicles, Jeremiah, and Ezra. It identifies several distinct figures from different eras of Israel’s history, ranging from the United Monarchy to the post-exilic period. The most prominent individual bearing this name was the governor appointed by Nebuchadnezzar after the fall of Jerusalem, a son of Ahikam who tried to maintain stability among the remnant in Judah (2 Kings 25:22).
Other men with this name include a priestly chief under Jeremiah, a Levitical musician in David’s time, and a priest returning with Ezra. The recurrence of the name highlights a theological emphasis on God’s greatness during times of national crisis and transition. Translators consistently render it as Gedaliah, preserving the personal identity of these leaders who served in pivotal moments of biblical history.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Gedaliah carries a simple but powerful meaning: "Yahweh is great." In the Bible, this title appears not just as a label, but as a reminder of God's sovereignty during times when human power seems to crumble. We see this most clearly in the life of Gedaliah son of Ahikam, who was appointed governor over the remnant left in Judah after Jerusalem fell. While empires rose and fell around him, his name pointed back to the one true King whose authority remains unshaken.
For believers today, this word offers a steady anchor. When life feels unstable or when we face circumstances beyond our control, remembering that God is great provides comfort. It does not mean every situation will be easy, as Gedaliah’s own story shows, but it assures us that God remains present and in control even in the ruins. We can rest in the knowledge that our ultimate security lies not in political stability or human leadership, but in the greatness of the Lord.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 31 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Gedaliah30×
- and/ Gedaliah2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- גְּדַלְיָ֖הוּ9×
- גְּדַלְיָ֙הוּ֙5×
- גְּדַלְיָ֥הוּ3×
- גְּדַלְיָ֨הוּ2×
- גְּדַלְיָ֖ה2×
- גְּדַלְיָ֔הוּ2×
- וּ/גְדַלְיָֽה\׃1×
- וּ/גְדַלְיָ֙הוּ֙1×
- גְּדַלְיָהוּ֩1×
- גְּדַלְיָ֥ה1×
- גְּדַלְיָ֤הוּ1×
- גְּדַלְיָ֣ה1×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 25:22
As for the people who were left in the land of Judah whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had left, even over them he made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, governor.
This verse establishes Gedaliah’s role as governor over the remnant, highlighting God's continued presence among His people even after judgment.
-
Jeremiah 40:9
Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan swore to them and to their men, saying, “Don’t be afraid to serve the Chaldeans. Dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and it will be well with you.
Gedaliah encourages the fearful leaders to trust in God's providence through Babylonian rule, showing faith in difficult times.
-
Jeremiah 38:1
Shephatiah the son of Mattan, Gedaliah the son of Pashhur, Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur the son of Malchijah heard the words that Jeremiah spoke to all the people, saying,
This mention identifies a different Gedaliah who opposed Jeremiah, illustrating that the name was common and carried no automatic spiritual guarantee.
-
I Chronicles 25:9
Now the first lot came out for Asaph to Joseph; the second to Gedaliah, he and his brothers and sons were twelve;
Here Gedaliah is listed among musicians praising God, connecting the name to worship and thanksgiving in the temple service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Gedaliah mean?
How many different people named Gedaliah are in the Bible?
Why is Gedaliah son of Ahikam important?
Every Occurrence (31 verses across 5 books)
II Kings 4 verses
As for the people who were left in the land of Judah whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had left, even over them he…
II Kings 25:23Now when all the captains of the forces, they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah governor,…
II Kings 25:24Gedaliah swore to them and to their men, and said to them, “Don’t be afraid because of the servants of the Chaldeans.…
II Kings 25:25But in the seventh month, Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, of the royal offspring came, and ten men…