מַגְדִּיאֵל (mag.di.el)
mag.di.el
Magdiel
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Magdiel appears in two biblical verses, specifically within the genealogical records of Genesis 36:43 and 1 Chronicles 1:54. It identifies a specific individual from the lineage of Esau, serving as one of the tribal chiefs or rulers of Edom during the patriarchal era.
Etymologically, the name combines the root gadol, meaning "great," with El, the name for God. This structure translates to "God is great" or "prince of God." The presence of this theophoric element in an Edomite name highlights the widespread use of divine names across ancient Near Eastern cultures, even outside the covenant line of Israel.
As a proper noun, Magdiel carries no narrative action but serves as a historical marker. Its inclusion in both the Genesis and Chronicles accounts underscores the continuity of Edom’s royal lineage and confirms the fulfillment of the prophecy regarding Esau’s descendants establishing their own kingdom alongside Jacob’s.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Magdiel means "God is great." It appears in genealogies tracing the descendants of Esau, the brother of Jacob. While these lists can feel distant or dry, they show that God’s sovereignty covers all nations and families, not just Israel. The inclusion of this name reminds us that even outside the specific covenant line, people acknowledged the greatness of God.
Seeing Magdiel in both Genesis and Chronicles highlights the reliability of Scripture. The same names appear across centuries of writing, confirming the historical continuity of Edom’s lineage. This consistency invites trust in the Bible as a faithful record of history. It encourages us to see God’s hand in the broader tapestry of human ancestry.
For your faith, this word offers a quiet assurance. God is great over every tribe and nation. You can rest in the knowledge that no lineage escapes His awareness or purpose. This perspective brings peace, knowing that history is held securely in His hands.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Magdiel2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַגְדִּיאֵ֖ל2×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 36:43
chief Magdiel, and chief Iram. These are the chiefs of Edom, according to their habitations in the land of their possession. This is Esau, the father of the Edomites.
This verse places Magdiel among the chiefs of Edom, showing how the name functioned as a marker of leadership within Esau's lineage.
-
I Chronicles 1:54
chief Magdiel, and chief Iram. These are the chiefs of Edom.
The repetition here confirms the historical continuity of Edom’s royal line, linking back to the earlier Genesis account.