3174. megethos
Lexical Summary
megethos: Greatness, magnitude, size

Original Word: μέγεθος
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: megethos
Pronunciation: MEG-eh-thos
Phonetic Spelling: (meg'-eth-os)
KJV: greatness
NASB: greatness
Word Origin: [from G3173 (μέγας - great)]

1. magnitude (figuratively)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
greatness.

From megas; magnitude (figuratively) -- greatness.

see GREEK megas

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from megas
Definition
greatness
NASB Translation
greatness (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 3174: μέγεθος

μέγεθος, 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).
2. Redemptive Purpose: The greatness is not abstract; it is “toward us who believe,” signifying that the same power operative in Christ’s resurrection (Ephesians 1:20) now works in believers.
3. Assurance and Security: Recognizing this greatness grounds the church in confidence against spiritual opposition (Ephesians 6:10–12).

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.
• Discipleship: Teaching on μέγεθος anchors identity in what God has accomplished, countering performance-based spirituality.
• Worship: Music and liturgy that celebrate God’s surpassing greatness foster awe and humility (Psalm 150:2; Revelation 15:3).

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 mégethos
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Ephesians 1:19 N-NNS
GRK: τὸ ὑπερβάλλον μέγεθος τῆς δυνάμεως
NAS: is the surpassing greatness of His power
KJV: [is] the exceeding greatness of his
INT: the surpassing greatness of the power

Strong's Greek 3174
1 Occurrence


μέγεθος — 1 Occ.

3173
Top of Page
Top of Page