From megistos (greatest). The great ones, nobles, magnates — people of high rank and influence in society. Used in Mark and Revelation of powerful earthly rulers.
Mark 6:21 records that Herod's birthday banquet was attended by his 'nobles, military commanders, and leading men of Galilee.' In Revelation, the great ones of the earth hide in caves, calling on the mountains to fall on them to escape God's wrath (Revelation 6:15). The word teaches that earthly greatness provides no shelter from divine judgment. Those who are mighty before men are helpless before God.