μέγεθος
mégethos
G3174 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Size, magnitude; the property of being large, great, or vast, either in physical, qualitative, or metaphorical sense. In various contexts, can denote physical dimensions (size, mass), abstract greatness (importance, eminence, prominence), or moral/qualitative excellence.
Semantic Range
magnitude, size, physical largeness, greatness, eminence, importance, splendor, majesty, intensity
Root / Etymology
From the root μέγας ('great, large') with the abstract noun suffix -ος (-os), forming a noun expressing the quality or state of being great or large. Closely related are μέγεθος and the adjective μέγας.
Historical & Contextual Notes
μέγεθος appears in both classical and Koine Greek with reference to both physical size (spatial, quantitative magnitude) and metaphorical greatness (rank, eminence, majesty). In philosophical and rhetorical texts, μέγεθος is used of greatness in spirit, significance of actions or persons, and the majesty or splendor of something. In the Septuagint and the New Testament (Acts 19:27), the term can refer both to literal magnitude and to importance or renown, such as the 'greatness' of Artemis, encompassing both her fame and the splendor of her cult. English translations often limit μέγεθος to 'greatness,' yet in Greek, it can equally point to the sheer physical dimension or more abstract magnitude. Compared to συγγένεσις (size of birth, family lineage) or σπουδαιότης (importance, worth), μέγεθος focuses on the abstract notion of largeness or greatness in both concrete and figurative senses. The meaning remains stable from classical through Hellenistic into Roman-era Greek.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from μέγας; magnitude (figuratively):--greatness.
Root Family
μέγεθος (megethos) — magnitude, size, greatness, vastness, importance
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3174-01 |
μέγεθος | megethos | N NOM N SG |
greatness | greatness | greatness | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3174-01 |
Ephesians 1:19 | μέγεθος | megethos | N NOM N SG |
greatness | greatness | greatness |