The Hebrew verb גָּדַל (root: ג-ד-ל) means “to grow,” “to become great,” or “to be magnified.” It conveys both physical growth (as of a child or plant) and abstract greatness (as in power, importance, or honor). Depending on the binyan (verbal stem), it can describe either natural development or intentional exaltation or glorification.
This verb appears in several binyanim:
– Qal: to grow, become great
– Piel: to make great, magnify, glorify
– Hiphil: to cause to grow or raise someone to greatness
Its theological richness is evident when used of God, kings, and prophetic language.
Qal Binyan Conjugation of גָּדַל (to grow, become great)
Past (Perfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | גָּדַלְתִּי |
| 2nd person masculine singular | גָּדַלְתָּ |
| 2nd person feminine singular | גָּדַלְתְּ |
| 3rd person masculine singular | גָּדַל |
| 3rd person feminine singular | גָּדְלָה |
| 1st person plural | גָּדַלְנוּ |
| 2nd person masculine plural | גְּדַלְתֶּם |
| 2nd person feminine plural | גְּדַלְתֶּן |
| 3rd person plural | גָּדְלוּ |
Present (Participle) Tense
| Gender/Number | Form |
|---|---|
| Masculine singular | גָּדֵל |
| Feminine singular | גָּדְלָה |
| Masculine plural | גְּדֵלִים |
| Feminine plural | גְּדֵלוֹת |
Future (Imperfect) Tense
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 1st person singular | אֶגְדַל |
| 2nd person masculine singular | תִּגְדַל |
| 2nd person feminine singular | תִּגְדְּלִי |
| 3rd person masculine singular | יִגְדַל |
| 3rd person feminine singular | תִּגְדַל |
| 1st person plural | נִגְדַל |
| 2nd person masculine plural | תִּגְדְּלוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | תִּגְדַלְנָה |
| 3rd person plural | יִגְדְּלוּ |
Imperative Mood
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| 2nd person masculine singular | גְּדַל |
| 2nd person feminine singular | גִּדְלִי |
| 2nd person masculine plural | גִּדְלוּ |
| 2nd person feminine plural | גְּדַלְנָה |
Usage in Scripture
- Genesis 21:8 – וַיִּגְדַּל הַיֶּלֶד וַיִּגָּמַל
“The child grew and was weaned.” — describing Yitsḥaq’s growth. - Psalm 34:4 – גַּדְּלוּ לַיהוָה אִתִּי
“Magnify the LORD with me.” — Piel use to exalt or glorify. - Exodus 11:3 – וְגַם הָאִישׁ מֹשֶׁה גָּדוֹל מְאֹד
“And the man Moshe was very great.” — highlighting social and spiritual elevation.
Summary
The verb גָּדַל expresses growth, elevation, and greatness—whether in stature, wisdom, influence, or honor. Its use ranges from natural human development to the exaltation of God in worship. Through its various binyanim, גָּדַל reveals themes of blessing, maturation, and divine majesty, making it one of the most theologically rich verbs in the Hebrew Bible.
