G3174

Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding Greek words like μέγεθος (mégethos) is crucial for interpreting the full scope of meaning in New Testament texts. This noun, first appearing in Ephesians 1:19, is particularly significant because it conveys the concept of greatness or magnitude, often in relation to power or strength. It highlights the vastness or extent of something, whether it be physical size, moral quality, or spiritual power. Studying μέγεθος provides insight into how the early Christians viewed the greatness of God and His works, and it also helps us appreciate the cultural context of ancient Greek society, where the idea of greatness was often associated with both physical grandeur and intellectual excellence.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: Μέγεθος, transliterated as mégethos, pronounced [MEG-eth-os].

Etymology: The word μέγεθος comes from the root μέγας (mégas), meaning “great” or “large.” The suffix -εθος (-ethos) is used to form abstract nouns, indicating the state or quality of being large or great. Thus, μέγεθος refers to greatness in a more abstract sense, encompassing various dimensions of magnitude, such as physical size, power, or importance.

Part of Speech: Noun, neuter. Μέγεθος is a neuter noun that follows the third declension pattern in Greek. It is used to describe the quality of being great or large in both literal and figurative contexts.

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Defining Meanings

1. Magnitude: Refers to the size, extent, or importance of something. In the New Testament, μέγεθος often describes the greatness of God’s power or the extent of His works.
2. Greatness: Denotes an exceptional quality or state, such as moral or spiritual excellence. This usage highlights the superiority of God’s nature and actions.
3. Vastness: Emphasizes the broad scope or comprehensive nature of something, whether it be the universe, knowledge, or divine attributes.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Μεγαλωσύνη (megalōsýnē) [meg-ah-lo-SOO-nay]: Meaning “majesty” or “greatness,” this word is closely related to μέγεθος but is more often used in theological contexts to describe the majesty or grandeur of God.
2. Δύναμις (dýnamis) [DOO-nah-mis]: Translated as “power” or “strength,” this word focuses more on the ability or force of something, while μέγεθος emphasizes the size or extent of that power.
3. Εξουσία (exousía) [ex-oo-SEE-ah]: Meaning “authority” or “power,” this word denotes the right or capacity to act, which can be associated with greatness but is more about control and dominion.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender:

• Nominative Singular: μέγεθος – Subject of the sentence, “greatness” or “magnitude.”
• Genitive Singular: μεγέθους – Indicates possession or association, “of greatness.”
• Dative Singular: μεγέθει – Used for indirect objects, “to greatness.”
• Accusative Singular: μέγεθος – Direct object of the sentence, “greatness.”
• Nominative Plural: μεγέθη – Plural form, “greatnesses” or “magnitudes.”
• Genitive Plural: μεγεθῶν – Possessive plural, “of greatnesses.”
• Dative Plural: μεγέθεσι – Indirect object plural, “to greatnesses.”
• Accusative Plural: μεγέθη – Direct object plural, “greatnesses.”

Declension: Μέγεθος follows the third declension pattern, which is characterized by changes in endings based on case and number. This pattern is typical for neuter nouns with an abstract meaning.

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

In Ephesians 1:19, μέγεθος is used to describe “the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe.” Here, the word emphasizes the extraordinary nature of God’s power, which is beyond human comprehension. It conveys the idea that God’s power is not just sufficient but exceedingly great, highlighting His ability to work mightily on behalf of believers. In classical Greek literature, μέγεθος was used to describe the physical size of objects, the extent of achievements, or the depth of emotions. Theologically, the use of μέγεθος in the New Testament underscores the vast and incomparable nature of God’s attributes, encouraging believers to trust in His boundless capacity to act in their lives.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Ephesians 1:19: “And what is the surpassing greatness [μέγεθος] of His power toward us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of the strength of His might.”
2. 2 Corinthians 10:15: “Not boasting beyond our measure, that is, in other men’s labors, but with the hope that as your faith grows, we will be, within our sphere, enlarged even more by you.” (Related concept of “measure” or “extent”).
3. Hebrews 7:4: “Now observe how great [πλείονα] this man was to whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a tenth of the choicest spoils.” (Similar concept of greatness in a different context).

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

Μέγεθος, meaning “magnitude” or “greatness,” is a powerful noun used in the New Testament to describe the vastness and exceptional quality of God’s power and actions. Its use in Ephesians 1:19 emphasizes the surpassing greatness of God’s power available to believers. Morphologically, it follows the third declension and is used to convey abstract concepts of size, importance, or excellence. Understanding μέγεθος in its biblical and classical contexts enhances our appreciation of God’s extraordinary capabilities and the scope of His influence in the world and in the lives of His people.

Did You Know?

1. The word μέγεθος is related to the English word “magnitude,” which retains the same idea of size or extent, especially in scientific contexts like astronomy and physics.
2. In ancient Greek thought, the concept of greatness (μέγεθος) was not just about physical size but also moral and intellectual excellence, reflecting a holistic view of what it meant to be “great.”
3. The term μέγεθος is used in the Septuagint to describe both the physical size of giants and the greatness of God, showing its versatility in conveying different types of grandeur.