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Unveiling the Word

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies allows us to unlock deeper meanings and cultural nuances that are often lost in translation. The Greek word μακρός (makros) is particularly significant because it appears in various contexts throughout the New Testament, providing insight into themes of duration, distance, and greatness. It is first mentioned in Matthew 23:14, where Jesus critiques the religious leaders for making “long” prayers to show off their piety. Understanding μακρός helps in grasping the nuanced emphasis on not just physical length but also metaphorical implications of duration and importance in both New Testament writings and ancient Greek culture.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μακρός (makros) [mah-KROSS]
Etymology: The word μακρός comes from the root mak- which is related to length or greatness. It shares its root with other Greek words like μακρόθυμος (makrothymos), meaning “long-suffering” or “patient.” The term is used to describe something that is long in space, time, or magnitude.
Part of Speech: Adjective. μακρός functions as an adjective in Greek, describing nouns by adding the sense of length, duration, or grandeur. It follows the regular pattern of Greek adjective declension, agreeing in gender, number, and case with the noun it modifies.
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Defining Meanings

1. Long in Duration: In the New Testament, μακρός often refers to something prolonged over time, such as a long period of suffering or an extended discourse.
2. Long in Distance: The word can describe physical length or distance, indicating something far away or extended in space.
3. Metaphorically Great or Extensive: μακρός is also used metaphorically to signify something of great magnitude or importance, such as an intense experience or a significant event.

Exploring Similar Words

1. μεγάς (megas) [MEH-gahs]: While μακρός refers to length or duration, μεγάς is more about size or greatness in stature. Both convey the idea of magnitude but in different dimensions.
2. εὐρύς (eurys) [yoo-RIS]: This word means “wide” and, while it also conveys a sense of large dimensions, it contrasts with μακρός by focusing on breadth rather than length.
3. πολύς (polys) [poh-LOOS]: Meaning “many” or “much,” this word can complement μακρός when describing a multitude of long or extensive things, like “many long days.”

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

μακρός is an adjective and follows the first and second declension patterns in Greek. Here is its declension:

This adjective agrees with the noun it modifies in gender, number, and case, making it flexible in usage throughout different contexts in the New Testament.

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

μακρός is often associated with both physical and metaphorical length. Lexicons such as BDAG and LSJ highlight its dual use in describing temporal duration and physical distance. In New Testament contexts, it is used to critique behaviors like prolonged prayers for show, as seen in Matthew 23:14. Classical Greek sources use μακρός similarly to describe long journeys, extended time periods, or figurative greatness. Its application ranges from everyday descriptions of physical attributes to more abstract discussions of virtue and vice.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 23:14: “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long [μακρός] prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.” Here, μακρός emphasizes the prolonged nature of the prayers used as a facade of piety.
2. Luke 20:47: Similar to Matthew 23:14, this verse describes religious leaders making long [μακρός] prayers for appearances while exploiting the vulnerable.
3. Mark 12:40: Also addressing long [μακρός] prayers, this passage critiques the use of extended religious practices as a cover for unethical behavior.

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word μακρός carries significant weight in both Biblical and classical contexts. Its versatile meanings—spanning from literal physical length to metaphorical greatness or duration—make it a rich term to explore. In the New Testament, it is used to critique the superficiality of religious displays, providing a poignant lesson on the misuse of piety. Understanding μακρός offers deeper insights into the cultural and spiritual dynamics of the early Christian community and broader Greek society.

Did You Know?

1. μακρός is the root of the English word “macro,” used in terms like “macroeconomics” to denote large-scale phenomena.
2. The term μακρός was often used in classical literature to describe the grandeur of epic tales, emphasizing the scale of heroic endeavors.
3. In philosophical contexts, μακρός was sometimes employed metaphorically to discuss the length of life or the extent of one’s virtue, reflecting the Greek fascination with the ideal human experience.