Divine Magnitude: τοσοῦτος (Strong’s G5118: tosoutos) Reveals Supernatural Dimensions

Strong’s G5118: A correlative pronoun indicating magnitude or quantity, meaning “so great,” “so much,” or “so many.” In biblical usage, it often emphasizes extraordinary dimensions of faith, grace, mercy, or glory, highlighting the supernatural scope of God’s work.

U – Unveiling the Word

τοσοῦτος serves as a powerful indicator of magnitude in the New Testament, particularly when describing extraordinary manifestations of faith or divine activity. Its first appearance in Matthew 8:10 captures Jesus’ amazement at the centurion’s faith, described as greater than any He had found in Israel. The early church used this term to emphasize the remarkable dimensions of God’s work and the extraordinary nature of genuine faith. Today, it continues to highlight the supernatural scale of divine operations and the immeasurable aspects of God’s kingdom, reminding believers that His ways transcend normal human expectations.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τοσοῦτος, tosoutos, /to.ˈsu.tos/
• Detailed Pronunciation: toh-SOO-tohs (where ‘oh’ is like in “go”)
• Part of Speech: Correlative Pronoun/Adjective

Etymology:

• From τόσος (tosos) meaning “so much”
• Prefix: το- (to-) demonstrative element
• Root: -σος (-sos) indicating quantity
• Suffix: -ουτος (-outos) intensifying the meaning

D – Defining Meanings

• So great
• So much
• So many
• Such a great amount

For compound words: Each component contributes:

• το- indicates demonstration
• -σος shows quantity
• -ουτος intensifies the measurement

Translation Options:

• “so great” – emphasizing magnitude
• “so much” – highlighting quantity
• “such” – expressing quality or degree

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τηλικοῦτος (tēlikoutos) /tē.li.ˈku.tos/ – so large, so great See G5082
• πολύς (polus) /po.ˈlys/ – many, much See G4183
• μέγας (megas) /ˈme.gas/ – great, large See G3173

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Variable based on usage

The word declines as follows:

• Masculine: τοσοῦτος, τοσούτου, τοσούτῳ, τοσοῦτον
• Feminine: τοσαύτη, τοσαύτης, τοσαύτῃ, τοσαύτην
• Neuter: τοσοῦτο(ν), τοσούτου, τοσούτῳ, τοσοῦτο(ν)

Cross-references: Related adverb τοσούτῳ (tosoutō) meaning “by so much”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexicographical sources provide rich understanding of τοσοῦτος. BDAG emphasizes its use in comparisons and expressions of amazement. Thayer’s notes its function in both quantity and quality descriptions. LSJ documents extensive classical usage in measurements and evaluations. Vine’s highlights its special significance in describing faith and divine works. Strong’s connects it to the concept of measurement and degree. Moulton and Milligan cite numerous papyri showing its common usage in legal documents. LEH notes its frequent appearance in the Septuagint for divine measurements.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

“When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!'” Matthew 8:10

Additional References:
Matthew 15:33
John 12:37
Hebrews 1:4
Revelation 18:17

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

τοσοῦτος powerfully conveys the extraordinary dimensions of God’s work in the world. From the centurion’s remarkable faith to the vastness of heavenly glory, this word helps us grasp the supernatural scale of divine activity. The good news of King Jesus consistently exceeds human expectations and measurements. This word reminds us that God’s kingdom operates on a scale beyond our natural understanding, encouraging believers to expect and embrace His supernatural workings.

D – Did You Know?

• τοσοῦτος appears in ancient mathematical texts describing infinite quantities
• Early church fathers used it to describe the immeasurable nature of God’s love
• The word influenced the development of Greek philosophical concepts of magnitude

Strong’s G5118: A correlative pronoun indicating magnitude or quantity, meaning “so great,” “so much,” or “so many.” In biblical usage, it often emphasizes extraordinary dimensions of faith, grace, mercy, or glory, highlighting the supernatural scope of God’s work.

Part of speech: Correlative Pronoun/Adjective

Tags: magnitude, quantity, measurement, faith, supernatural, divine-work, greatness, comparison, amazement, extent, scope, dimension​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​