Brief Overview of πολύς (Strong’s G4183: polys)

Strong’s G4183: A primary adjective meaning “much, many, great” in quantity, amount, or degree. One of the most frequently used Greek words, it appears in various forms to describe abundance, intensity, or large numbers. The term is foundational in expressing magnitude in both physical and abstract contexts.

U- Unveiling the Word

Πολύς represents fundamental concepts of quantity and magnitude in Greek. In the New Testament, it appears in crucial contexts describing great crowds following Jesus, abundant harvests in parables, much fruit in spiritual life, and great faith. The early church used this term to express both physical and spiritual abundance. Today, it continues to convey ideas of God’s abundant provision, great mercy, and the multiplicity of His blessings.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πολύς, polys, /pol-oos’/
• Detailed Pronunciation: p (plosive) + ol (syllable) + oos (final syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: πολ- (pol-) primitive root indicating quantity
• Suffix: -ύς (-ys) primary adjective ending
• Function: Creates basic adjective indicating abundance/magnitude

D – Defining Meanings

• Much
• Many
• Great
• Large
• Abundant
• Numerous
• Intense

Translation Options:

• Much/Many – Best captures quantity aspect
• Great – Emphasizes magnitude
• Abundant – Highlights fullness aspect

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πλείων (pleiōn) /pli’-own/ – comparative form meaning “more” – See G4119
• πλῆθος (plēthos) /play’-thos/ – refers to multitude – See G4128
• μέγας (megas) /meg’-as/ – refers to greatness – See G3173

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: 3rd/1st declension adjective

Examples:
Masculine: πολύς, πολλοῦ, πολλῷ, πολύν
Feminine: πολλή, πολλῆς, πολλῇ, πολλήν
Neuter: πολύ, πολλοῦ, πολλῷ, πολύ

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its broad semantic range. Thayer’s notes its fundamental role in quantity expression. LSJ traces its extensive classical usage. Vine’s highlights its varied applications. Strong’s connects it to multiplication concepts. LEH discusses its frequent Septuagint usage. Moulton and Milligan document its common occurrence in everyday language.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Matthew 2:18: “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and much [πολύς] lamentation.”

Additional References:
Matthew 9:37, Mark 5:24, Luke 7:47, John 15:5, Acts 11:21

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Πολύς powerfully expresses God’s abundant provision and grace. It proclaims the good news that God gives abundantly, forgives greatly, and loves deeply, showing His overwhelming generosity through Christ.

D – Did You Know?

1. Πολύς appears over 400 times in the New Testament
2. It forms dozens of compound words expressing abundance
3. The term is used in key parables about spiritual growth

Strong’s G4183: A primary adjective meaning “much, many, great” in quantity, amount, or degree. One of the most frequently used Greek words, it appears in various forms to describe abundance, intensity, or large numbers. The term is foundational in expressing magnitude in both physical and abstract contexts.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: much, many, great, abundant, quantity, magnitude, multiplication, abundance, Biblical Greek, New Testament terminology, basic vocabulary, frequency​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​