Great and Wonderful
In the Hebrew Bible, the concepts of "great" and "wonders" are often connected when describing God's mighty acts or miracles. The Hebrew word for "great" is "גָּדוֹל" (Gadol) and for "wonders" is "נִפְלָאוֹת" (nifla'ot) or "פְּלָאִים" (pele'im).
The word "גָּדוֹל" (Gadol) is derived from the root "גדל" (g-d-l) which generally means "to grow" or "to become great or important." In the context of God's works, it is often used to describe His powerful and awe-inspiring actions.
On the other hand, the word "נִפְלָאוֹת" (nifla'ot) comes from the root "פלא" (p-l-a), which means "to be wonderful, extraordinary, or surpassing." This term is often used to describe God's supernatural acts, miracles, and events that defy human understanding.
When the words "great" and "wonders" are used together in the Hebrew Bible, they typically emphasize the magnitude, significance, and miraculous nature of God's actions. For example, in Exodus 15:11, where "נִפְלָאוֹת" (nifla'ot) is used as a synonym for "גָּדוֹל" (Gadol), it highlights the extraordinary and incomparable nature of God's deeds during the deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt.
Similarly, in Psalm 136:4, "גְּדֹלוֹת" (Gedolot), a variation of "גְּדֹלִים" (Gedolim), is used in conjunction with the description of God's wonders. This passage underscores the greatness of God's works, which are beyond human comprehension and surpass all expectations.
In summary, the connection between "great" and "wonders" in the Hebrew Bible emphasizes the miraculous nature of God's actions and the profound impact of His deeds on the lives of His people. These terms convey a sense of awe and reverence for God, highlighting His power, majesty, and the extraordinary quality of His works.