greatness
ge.du.lah denotes greatness shown in mighty acts, divine majesty, and the elevated standing of people.
The term most often marks greatness displayed in God's deeds for his people; it also names God's supreme majesty and the heightened honor, rank, or prosperity associated with human figures.
Senses in use
-
Great deeds accomplished for a people · dominant
In 2 Samuel 7:21 and 1 Chronicles 17:19, the form occurs in the statement that God has done “all this greatness” or “all this great thing” to make it known. In 2 Samuel 7:23 and 1 Chronicles 17:21, the surrounding clauses describe redemption from Egypt, making a name, and actions against nations.
-
Divine majesty beyond measure · common
In 1 Chronicles 29:11, the singular absolute form stands among qualities said to belong to the LORD, alongside might, beauty, perpetuity, and splendor. Psalm 145:3 calls the LORD's greatness “unsearchable,” while Psalm 145:6 places it beside the strength of fearsome deeds.
-
Human honor, stature, or increased standing · common
The construct form in Esther 10:2 concerns Mordecai's greatness as magnified by the king, and Esther 1:4 places the term in the display of royal glory and majesty. Esther 6:3 asks what honor and greatness Mordecai received, while Psalm 71:21 speaks of an increase in the speaker's greatness.
In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB commonly uses “greatness,” including in statements about God and Mordecai, but also presents the surrounding clauses as “great and awesome name” and “great majesty.” These renderings confirm the verses' broad presentation without fixing a separate English equivalent in every clause.