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G3173 · Greek · New Testament
μέγας
megas
Adjective
great, large, loud, important

Definition

Megas means great in size, degree, importance, or intensity. It occurs about 243 times in the NT and describes greatness of physical dimension, volume of sound ("a loud voice"), and the greatness of persons, events, or qualities that belong to the divine realm.

It gives English words like "mega-" (megaphone, megalith) and is the cognate of the Latin magnus. In the NT, it is frequently used to describe the greatness of God's acts, commandments, and eschatological realities.

Usage & Theological Significance

The phrase megas ho Theos — "great is God" — echoes through Scripture. Titus 2:13 refers to "the blessed hope — the appearing of the glory of our great (megas) God and Savior, Jesus Christ." The greatness of Jesus is the greatness of God made visible.

The "great commandment" (megale entolē, Matthew 22:36–38) is not merely one among many — it is the organizing principle of all divine command: love God with all you are. The megas here is a category marker, not just an adjective.

Revelation is saturated with megas: the great tribulation, the great white throne, the great day of wrath, the great multitude. The eschatological drama is supremely great because the One who judges and saves is supremely great. The final word of history will be worship of the megas God.

Key Bible Verses

Matthew 22:36–38 "Teacher, which is the great (megale) commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart."
Revelation 7:9 After this I looked, and there before me was a great (polys — but here) multitude that no one could count, from every nation.
Revelation 20:11 Then I saw a great (megan) white throne and him who was seated on it.
Titus 2:13 …while we wait for the blessed hope — the appearing of the glory of our great (megalou) God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Acts 19:28 "Great (megale) is Artemis of the Ephesians!" — the cry of idolaters, a foil for what the church proclaims about the true God.

Related Words

External Resources

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