Lexical Summary megethos: Greatness, magnitude, size Original Word: μέγεθος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance greatness. From megas; magnitude (figuratively) -- greatness. see GREEK megas NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom megas Definition greatness NASB Translation greatness (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3174: μέγεθοςμέγεθος, μεγέθους, τό (μέγας) (from Homer down), greatness: Ephesians 1:19. Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 3174 (μέγεθος) denotes “greatness” or “magnitude.” While it appears only once in the New Testament, its singular occurrence intensifies Paul’s description of God’s power and invites reflection on the immeasurable scope of divine activity. Occurrences in Scripture • Ephesians 1:19 – “and the surpassing greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty strength”. Pauline Context: Ephesians 1:19 Paul is praying that the believers in Ephesus will grasp “the surpassing greatness” of God’s power. By pairing μέγεθος with ὑπερβάλλον (“surpassing”), he pictures divine power as towering above all human calculation. This prayer is framed in the broader context of chapters 1–3, where Paul unfolds the eternal plan of God in Christ and underscores the Spirit’s role in believers (Ephesians 1:13–14; Ephesians 3:16–20). The single appearance of μέγεθος thus serves as a rhetorical pinnacle in Paul’s cascading language of power (δύναμις), working (ἐνέργεια), dominion (κράτος), and might (ἰσχύς). Background in Septuagint and Jewish Thought Although μέγεθος is rare in the Septuagint, the concept of God’s “greatness” saturates Old Testament theology. Psalm 145:3 declares, “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; His greatness is unsearchable.” Isaiah 40:26 calls the faithful to lift their eyes and behold the “great” march of the stars under God’s command. These passages create a theological backdrop in which Paul’s Gentile readers—now included in Israel’s story—can interpret the cosmic reach of God’s power. Theological Themes 1. Incomparable Power: By using a term reserved for the extraordinary, Paul asserts that God’s power far exceeds created limits (Ephesians 1:21). Relation to Other Pauline Terms for Divine Power Paul layers four power terms in Ephesians 1:19–20: δύναμις (inherent power), ἐνέργεια (operative power), κράτος (dominion), and ἰσχύς (strength). Μέγεθος functions as the qualitative descriptor that crowns the list. Together they portray a multifaceted power that raises Christ, enthrones Him, and indwells believers. Historical Use in Christian Exegesis Early church fathers such as Chrysostom drew attention to the superlative force of Paul’s vocabulary, emphasizing the believer’s exalted position in Christ. Medieval commentators applied the verse to encourage perseverance amid persecution, while Reformation exegetes highlighted sola fide—faith receives, rather than achieves, the greatness of divine power. Practical Applications for Ministry • Prayer: Leaders can model Paul’s intercessory pattern, praying that congregations comprehend God’s vast power rather than merely seeking temporal solutions. Connections to Worship and Doxology The singular use of μέγεθος parallels doxological language throughout Scripture. Paul’s prayer culminates in praise (Ephesians 3:20–21), echoing Old Testament calls to magnify the LORD (Psalm 34:3). Corporate acknowledgment of God’s greatness links doctrine with devotion, ensuring that theological depth fuels heartfelt worship. Summary Though occurring only once in the New Testament, μέγεθος amplifies Paul’s vision of God’s power in Ephesians 1:19. Rooted in Old Testament affirmations of divine greatness and integrated into a rich cluster of Pauline power terms, it undergirds Christian assurance, shapes intercessory priorities, and calls the church to awe-filled worship. Forms and Transliterations μεγέθει μεγεθος μέγεθος μέγεθός μεγέθους megethos mégethosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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