Gadowl, “Great,” Strong’s H1419

The first occurrence

And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night: he made the stars also. Gen 1:16

The primitive root

Strong’s H1419 גדול gadowl, an adjective meaning, “great;” from Strong’s H1431 גדל gadal, a primitive root meaning, “to be or become great, to magnify.”

gimel ג = the foot, thus foot, walk, gather
dalet ד = the door, thus enter, move, hang
lamed ל = the shepherd’s staff, thus teach, yoke, to, bind

The story: Gathering together (gimel) to enter into (dalet) or press upon another with authority (lamed). If one can summon others and then successfully press upon rivals so as to extend authority over them, then that one becomes renowned for greatness.

THE ANCIENT HEBREW LEXICON | INDEX OF HEBREW ROOTS