One of the most common Greek adjectives, meaning great in size, degree, intensity, or importance. Used over 190 times in the NT. Describes everything from physical size to spiritual magnitude — God's love, the great commission, the great tribulation, and the great white throne.
This word appears in some of Scripture's most significant phrases: the 'great commandment' (Matthew 22:36), the 'great commission' (Matthew 28:19-20), the 'great tribulation' (Revelation 7:14), the 'great white throne' (Revelation 20:11), and 'great is the mystery of godliness' (1 Timothy 3:16). When applied to God, it conveys incomparable magnitude — a greatness that surpasses all measurement. The Magnificat begins: 'My soul magnifies (megalunei) the Lord.'