Brief Overview of Μέγας (Strong’s G3173: mégas)

Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding Greek words like μέγας (mégas) is crucial for comprehending the nuances and depth of New Testament language. This adjective, which first appears in Matthew 2:10, is particularly significant because it conveys the idea of greatness in various dimensions, such as size, power, importance, or intensity. Whether describing the magnitude of God’s actions, the depth of emotions, or the significance of events, μέγας serves as a key term to express the exceptional nature of what is being discussed. Its use reflects not only the language of the New Testament but also the cultural and philosophical values of ancient Greek society, where greatness was often associated with virtue, power, and influence.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: Μέγας, transliterated as mégas, pronounced [MEG-as].

Etymology: The word μέγας is a primary adjective with no known root in the Greek language. It has cognates in other ancient languages, including Latin (magnus), indicating a shared Indo-European origin. The word conveys a sense of greatness, largeness, or high status and is used to describe both physical size and abstract qualities such as importance or excellence.

Part of Speech: Adjective. Μέγας is used as an adjective to describe nouns, indicating that the subject is large, great, or significant in some way. It follows the third declension pattern in Greek grammar, with variations in gender, case, and number.

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Defining Meanings

1. Great: The primary meaning of μέγας is “great” in terms of size, quantity, or degree. It can describe something that is physically large or metaphorically significant.
2. Important: The word can also denote importance or prominence, indicating that a person or thing holds a significant position or influence.
3. Mighty: In certain contexts, μέγας conveys the idea of power or strength, often used to describe God’s mighty deeds or a person’s formidable abilities.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Μείζων (meízōn) [MEY-zon]: Meaning “greater” or “larger,” this comparative form of μέγας emphasizes a higher degree of greatness or superiority in comparison to others.
2. Κραταιός (krataiós) [krah-tay-OS]: Translated as “strong” or “mighty,” this word focuses more on physical strength or power, while μέγας can refer to greatness in a broader sense, including authority or stature.
3. Μεγαλόπρεπης (megalóprepēs) [meg-ah-lo-PREH-pees]: Meaning “majestic” or “splendid,” this word is used to describe something or someone possessing a grand and dignified appearance, which can be a subset of what μέγας expresses.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

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Case, Number, Gender:

• Nominative Singular: μέγας (masculine), μεγάλη (feminine), μέγα (neuter)
• Genitive Singular: μεγάλου (masculine/neuter), μεγάλης (feminine)
• Dative Singular: μεγάλῳ (masculine/neuter), μεγάλῃ (feminine)
• Accusative Singular: μέγαν (masculine), μεγάλην (feminine), μέγα (neuter)
• Nominative Plural: μεγάλοι (masculine), μεγάλαι (feminine), μεγάλα (neuter)
• Genitive Plural: μεγάλων (all genders)
• Dative Plural: μεγάλοις (masculine/neuter), μεγάλαις (feminine)
• Accusative Plural: μεγάλους (masculine), μεγάλας (feminine), μεγάλα (neuter)

Declension: Μέγας follows the irregular third declension pattern for adjectives, which has variations depending on gender, case, and number. Its declension is essential for proper grammatical agreement with the nouns it modifies.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

Μέγας is a versatile adjective used throughout the New Testament to describe various aspects of greatness. In Matthew 2:10, the word expresses the joy of the Magi upon seeing the star, translated as “they rejoiced exceedingly with great [μεγάλην] joy.” This usage conveys the depth of their emotion. In classical Greek literature, μέγας often described not only physical size but also moral excellence and social status. Theologically, the word frequently appears in contexts highlighting God’s greatness, such as His mighty works or the grandeur of His kingdom. It also serves to emphasize the extraordinary nature of Jesus’ actions and teachings, setting Him apart as a figure of immense significance.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 2:10: “When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great [μεγάλην] joy.”
2. Luke 1:32: “He will be great [μέγας] and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.”
3. Revelation 19:17: “Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he cried out with a loud [μεγάλῃ] voice, saying to all the birds that fly in midheaven, ‘Come, assemble for the great supper of God.’”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

Μέγας, meaning “great” or “large,” is a fundamental adjective used in the New Testament and classical Greek literature to describe the magnitude, importance, or excellence of a person, object, or concept. Its versatility allows it to convey both physical and abstract qualities, whether describing the greatness of God, the significance of events, or the depth of emotions. Morphologically, it follows an irregular declension pattern, adapting to various grammatical contexts. Understanding μέγας enriches our comprehension of the New Testament’s portrayal of greatness and helps connect these concepts to their cultural and historical roots.

Did You Know?

1. The word μέγας is the root of several English words, including “mega,” “megaphone,” and “megabyte,” all of which convey the idea of largeness or greatness.
2. In the New Testament, μέγας is used over 190 times, highlighting its importance in conveying key theological and narrative themes.
3. The concept of greatness expressed by μέγας is not limited to physical size; it also encompasses moral, spiritual, and relational dimensions, making it a rich term for describing God’s character and actions.