Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Concept Greatness in the biblical context often refers to the attributes of God, the character of individuals, or the nature of God's kingdom. It encompasses qualities such as power, authority, wisdom, and moral excellence. In Scripture, true greatness is frequently contrasted with worldly notions of power and prestige, emphasizing humility, service, and righteousness. Divine Greatness The Bible consistently affirms the greatness of God, highlighting His unmatched power, wisdom, and holiness. In Psalm 145:3 , it is declared, "Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; His greatness is unsearchable." This verse underscores the incomprehensible and infinite nature of God's greatness. God's greatness is also evident in His creation, providence, and redemptive acts. Isaiah 40:28 states, "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary; His understanding is beyond searching out." Human Greatness Human greatness, according to the Bible, is not measured by wealth, status, or power but by one's relationship with God and adherence to His commandments. In Matthew 23:11-12 , Jesus teaches, "The greatest among you shall be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." This passage highlights the paradoxical nature of greatness in the kingdom of God, where humility and service are the true markers of greatness. Examples of Greatness in Scripture Several biblical figures exemplify greatness through their faith and obedience to God. King David, despite his flaws, is remembered for his heart after God (1 Samuel 13:14). His greatness is seen in his psalms, leadership, and repentance. Similarly, Solomon's greatness is noted in his wisdom and the grandeur of his reign, yet his later life serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of turning away from God (1 Kings 10:23). The prophets, such as Isaiah and Jeremiah, demonstrate greatness through their unwavering commitment to proclaim God's truth despite opposition. Their greatness lies not in worldly success but in their faithfulness to God's calling. Greatness in the Teachings of Jesus Jesus Christ redefined greatness through His life and teachings. In Mark 10:43-45 , He instructs His disciples, "But it shall not be this way among you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." Jesus exemplified this servant leadership, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross. The Kingdom of God and Greatness The kingdom of God presents a vision of greatness that is countercultural. In Matthew 18:4 , Jesus states, "Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." This teaching emphasizes childlike humility and dependence on God as the path to true greatness. The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12) further illustrate the values of the kingdom, where the meek, merciful, and pure in heart are blessed and considered great. Conclusion In summary, biblical greatness is rooted in the character and actions that align with God's will. It is marked by humility, service, and a heart devoted to God. The Scriptures call believers to pursue this greatness, reflecting the nature of Christ and the values of His kingdom. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The state, condition, or quality of being great; as, greatness of size, greatness of mind, power, etc.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia GREAT; GREATNESSgrat, grat'-nes: "Great" occurs very often in Scripture. The chief words so translated are gadhol, rabh; megas, polus. Greek 3174. megethos -- greatness ... greatness. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: megethos Phonetic Spelling: (meg'-eth-os) Short Definition: greatness, vastness Definition: greatness ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3174.htm - 6k 3172. megalosune -- greatness, majesty 3168. megaleiotes -- splendor, magnificence 3169. megaloprepes -- befitting a great one 5236. huperbole -- a throwing beyond, excess, superiority Strong's Hebrew 1433. godel -- greatness... 1432, 1433. godel. 1434 . greatness. Transliteration: godel Phonetic Spelling: (go'-del) Short Definition: greatness. Word Origin ... /hebrew/1433.htm - 6k 7238. rebu -- greatness 1420. gedullah -- greatness 4768. marbith -- increase, great number, greatness 7230. rob -- multitude, abundance, greatness 1419. gadol -- great 4766. marbeh -- abundance Library Greatness in the Kingdom True Greatness True Greatness The Greatness of the Soul, The Greatness of the Subject, and Our Duty to those on their ... True Greatness That the Greatness and Charity of God is Shown to Men in the ... Greatness Varies in Degree. Psalm 145:1. LM The Greatness of God. Whence the Greatness of this Service, unto the Undertaking of ... Thesaurus Greatness (63 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The state, condition, or quality of being great; as, greatness of size, greatness of mind, power, etc. ... GREAT; GREATNESS. ... /g/greatness.htm - 35k Magnitude (1 Occurrence) Surpassing (21 Occurrences) Majesty (67 Occurrences) Sovereignty (14 Occurrences) Architecture Terrible (90 Occurrences) Terror (137 Occurrences) Chastisement (24 Occurrences) Powerful (93 Occurrences) Resources Does God make mistakes? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that God is great? | GotQuestions.org What is the majestic plural, and how is it used in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Greatness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Greatness (63 Occurrences)Luke 9:43 Acts 19:27 2 Corinthians 4:7 2 Corinthians 12:7 Ephesians 1:19 Philippians 3:8 Hebrews 1:3 Hebrews 8:1 Jude 1:25 Exodus 15:7 Exodus 15:16 Numbers 14:19 Deuteronomy 3:24 Deuteronomy 5:24 Deuteronomy 9:26 Deuteronomy 11:2 Deuteronomy 32:3 Joshua 9:13 2 Samuel 7:21 2 Samuel 7:23 1 Chronicles 17:19 1 Chronicles 17:21 1 Chronicles 29:11 2 Chronicles 9:6 2 Chronicles 24:27 Nehemiah 13:22 Esther 1:4 Esther 6:3 Esther 10:2 Job 23:6 Job 36:18 Psalms 5:7 Psalms 34:3 Psalms 51:1 Psalms 66:3 Psalms 69:13 Psalms 69:16 Psalms 71:21 Psalms 79:11 Psalms 106:45 Psalms 145:3 Psalms 145:6 Psalms 150:2 Proverbs 5:23 Isaiah 9:9 Isaiah 10:12 Isaiah 40:26 Isaiah 57:10 Isaiah 63:1 Jeremiah 13:22 Jeremiah 30:14 Jeremiah 30:15 Ezekiel 31:2 Ezekiel 31:7 Ezekiel 31:18 Ezekiel 38:23 Daniel 4:22 Daniel 4:36 Daniel 5:18 Daniel 5:19 Daniel 7:27 Hosea 9:7 Micah 5:4 Subtopics Related Terms |