G3171

Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding Greek words like μεγάλως (megálōs) offers valuable insights into the original meaning and nuance of New Testament texts. This adverb, which first appears in Philippians 4:10, is significant because it conveys the sense of doing something greatly or intensely. It emphasizes the magnitude or extent of an action, whether in terms of physical scale, emotional intensity, or spiritual depth. Studying μεγάλως helps us appreciate how the early Christians expressed their feelings and experiences with God, and how such expressions resonated within the broader context of ancient Greek culture, where language often highlighted the importance of excellence and intensity in human actions.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: Μεγάλως, transliterated as megálōs, pronounced [meg-AL-ohs].

Etymology: Μεγάλως is derived from the root word μέγας (mégas), meaning “great” or “large.” The suffix -ως is used to form adverbs, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. Thus, μεγαλῶς means “greatly” or “exceedingly,” suggesting that an action is done in a significant or intense manner.

Part of Speech: Adverb. Μεγάλως modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate the intensity, extent, or degree of an action. As an adverb, it does not inflect for case, number, or gender, but its meaning is deeply connected to the adjective from which it is derived.

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Defining Meanings

1. Greatly: This primary meaning suggests that something is done to a great extent or in a significant manner. It conveys intensity, such as expressing strong emotions or performing actions with considerable effort.
2. Exceedingly: Emphasizes that something surpasses normal expectations or is done in a very high degree. It often indicates an overflow or abundance in actions or emotions.
3. Intensely: Describes actions or feelings that are marked by high levels of passion or vigor, highlighting the fervent nature of the activity.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Σφόδρα (sphódra) [SFOD-rah]: Meaning “very much” or “exceedingly,” this adverb is used similarly to μεγαλῶς but often conveys a sense of urgency or extremity in emotion or action.
2. Πολύς (polýs) [po-LOOS]: While primarily an adjective meaning “many” or “much,” it can function adverbially to indicate abundance or a high degree, similar to μεγαλῶς, though often in a quantitative rather than qualitative sense.
3. Υπέρκαλλος (hypérkallos) [hoo-PER-kal-los]: Meaning “exceedingly beautiful,” this word differs from μεγαλῶς in that it specifically emphasizes the quality of beauty rather than general greatness or intensity.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood:
As an adverb, μεγαλῶς does not change form based on tense, voice, or mood. It is used to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, describing the manner or degree of the action or quality.

Person and Number:
Adverbs like μεγαλῶς do not have variations for person or number. Instead, their role is to enhance or clarify the meaning of the words they modify, regardless of who is performing the action or how many are involved.

Aspect:
The aspect of μεγαλῶς is related to how it describes the action’s intensity or extent. It can modify actions in any aspect—imperfective (ongoing), perfective (completed), or stative (unchanging)—to indicate that they are done greatly or intensely.

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Studying Lexicon Insights

The adverb μεγαλῶς is used sparingly in the New Testament, with Philippians 4:10 being its primary occurrence: “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly [μεγάλως], that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity.” Here, μεγαλῶς intensifies Paul’s expression of joy, indicating a deep and heartfelt response to the Philippians’ support. In classical Greek literature, μεγαλῶς often described actions or events carried out with extraordinary effort or enthusiasm, reflecting a cultural appreciation for excellence and intensity. Theologically, μεγαλῶς in the New Testament context conveys the depth of spiritual or emotional experience, demonstrating how God’s work and the response of believers are marked by significant intensity and impact.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Philippians 4:10: “But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly [μεγάλως], that now at last you have revived your concern for me; indeed, you were concerned before, but you lacked opportunity.”
2. 2 Corinthians 11:23 (related context of intensity in Paul’s experiences): “Are they servants of Christ? I speak as if insane—I more so; in far more labors, in far more imprisonments, beaten times without number, often in danger of death.” (While μεγαλῶς is not used here, the context reflects Paul’s intense experiences.)
3. 1 Peter 4:13 (similar theme of great rejoicing): “But to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation [ἀγαλλιώμενοι].”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

Μεγάλως, meaning “greatly” or “exceedingly,” is an adverb used in the New Testament to express the intensity and depth of actions or emotions. Its primary occurrence in Philippians 4:10 highlights Paul’s profound joy and appreciation for the Philippians’ renewed support. Morphologically, μεγαλῶς is a straightforward adverb that enhances the meaning of the words it modifies, without changing form based on grammatical properties. Its usage in classical and biblical contexts reveals a cultural and theological emphasis on the significance and magnitude of actions and experiences, encouraging a deeper understanding of how believers can live out their faith with great passion and commitment.

Did You Know?

1. The word μεγαλῶς appears only once in the New Testament, making its usage in Philippians 4:10 particularly significant in understanding Paul’s heartfelt response.
2. In classical Greek literature, μεγαλῶς was often used to describe heroic deeds and grand celebrations, reflecting a societal admiration for greatness in actions and achievements.
3. The related term μέγα (mega), which is the root of μεγαλῶς, is still used in modern languages like English to denote something large or significant, as seen in words like “megaphone” or “megacity.”