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λίαν

lían

G3029 adverb

SILEX Entry

Root uncertain to a great degree, very much, exceedingly

Definition

An adverb meaning 'very,' 'exceedingly,' or 'greatly,' expressing a high degree or intensity of an action, quality, or state. Used to modify adjectives or verbs to intensify their meaning, such as 'very much,' 'greatly,' 'exceedingly,' or 'to a remarkable degree.' In some contexts, may bear the sense 'too much' or 'beyond measure.'

Semantic Range

very, exceedingly, greatly, highly, to a great degree, too much, beyond measure

Root / Etymology

Etymology uncertain. The word does not have a clear derivation from a known Greek root or another language; it appears as an adverb in Koine Greek without a transparent morphological formation. Some ancient grammarians connected it loosely to λιανός ('fragile, thin, fine'), but this is speculative and not generally accepted.

Historical & Contextual Notes

λίαν appears in Hellenistic and Koine Greek, especially in the Septuagint and New Testament, primarily as an intensifier, always adverbial. It is rare in Classical Greek, more common in later periods. In the New Testament, it often intensifies adjectives ('very large,' 'exceedingly afraid') or verbs. The Septuagint uses it to translate the Hebrew מְאֹד (me’od), meaning 'very' or 'greatly,' reflecting its role as an intensifier. English translations frequently render it as 'very,' 'exceedingly,' or 'greatly,' but it can sometimes express an even greater degree than standard intensifiers. λίαν is distinct from other Greek adverbial intensifiers like σφόδρα, which usually relates to emotions or circumstances; λίαν is broader and less restricted in application. Use is idiomatic and neutral in register, and it never functions as an adjective or noun. The full force of the word is best preserved by recognizing its role in magnifying the degree of the word it modifies, often more so than conventional English equivalents capture.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

of uncertain affinity; much (adverbially):--exceeding, great(-ly), sore, very (+ chiefest).

Root Family

λίαν (lian) — to a great degree, very much, exceedingly

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G3029-01 λείαν leian ADV exceedingly exceedingly 10
G3029-02 λίαν lian ADV greatly exceedingly 2

Occurrences in Scripture

12 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G3029-01 Matthew 2:16 λείαν leian ADV exceedingly exceedingly
G3029-01 Matthew 4:8 λείαν leian ADV exceedingly
G3029-01 Matthew 8:28 λείαν leian ADV exceedingly
G3029-02 Matthew 27:14 λίαν lian ADV exceedingly
G3029-01 Mark 1:35 λείαν leian ADV very exceedingly
G3029-01 Mark 6:51 λείαν leian ADV exceedingly exceedingly
G3029-01 Mark 9:3 λείαν leian ADV exceedingly exceedingly
G3029-01 Mark 16:2 λείαν leian ADV very exceedingly
G3029-01 Luke 23:8 λείαν leian ADV very exceedingly
G3029-02 2 Timothy 4:15 λίαν lian ADV greatly exceedingly
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