Original Word: μέγας
Part of Speech: Adjective; Adverb, Comparative
Transliteration: megas
Pronunciation: MEH-gahs
Phonetic Spelling: (meg'-as)
KJV: (+ fear) exceedingly, great(-est), high, large, loud, mighty, + (be) sore (afraid), strong, X to years
NASB: great, loud, greater, greatest, large, big, fierce
Word Origin: [a primary word]

1. big
{literally or figuratively, in a very wide application}

exceeding, great, large

(including the prolonged forms, feminine megale, plural megaloi, etc.; compare also megistos, meizon); big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application) -- (+ fear) exceedingly, great(-est), high, large, loud, mighty, + (be) sore (afraid), strong, X to years.

see GREEK megistos

see GREEK meizon

Word Origin
a prim. word
Definition
great
NASB Translation
abundant (1), all the more (1), arrogant (1), big (2), completely* (1), fierce (2), great (115), great men (2), great things (2), greater (30), greater things (1), greatest (10), greatly* (1), grown* (1), high (2), huge (1), large (8), larger (2), larger ones (1), long time (1), loud (42), mighty (1), more important (2), older (1), one greater (1), perfectly (2), severe (2), stricter (1), strong (1), surprising (1), terribly (1), too much (1), very much (1), wide (1).

STRONGS NT 3173: μέγας

μέγας, μεγάλη, μέγα ((related to Latinmagnus, magister, Goth.maist (cf. τό πλεῖστον), etc.; Vanicek, p. 682; Curtius, § 462)), accusative μέγαν, μεγάλην, μέγα; plural μεγάλοι, μεγάλαι, μεγάλα; comparative μείζων, μεῖζον (accusative masculine and feminine μείζονα, once contracted μείζω, John 5:36 (R G T WH, but L Tr μείζων (cf. Tdf. Proleg., p. 119)); neuter plural μείζονα, once contracted μείζω, John 1:50(51)) and μειζότερος, 3 John 1:4 (from the comparitive μείζων), a poetic comparison, on which see the remark quoted under ἐλαχιστοτερος, cf. Matthiae, § 136; superlative μέγιστος (found only in 2 Peter 1:4); (from Homer down); the Sept. for גָּדול; also for רַב; great;

1. predicated a. of the external form or sensible appearance of things (or of persons); in particular, of space and its dimensions — as respects α. mass and weight: λίθος, Matthew 27:60; Mark 16:4; Revelation 18:21; ὄρος, Revelation 8:8; ἀστήρ, Revelation 8:10; (δράκων, Revelation 12:3, 9; ἀετός, Revelation 12:14; δένδρον, Luke 13:19 (T WH omit; L Tr brackets μέγα); κλάδοι, Mark 4:32; ἰχθύες, John 21:11; β. compass and extent; large, spacious: σκηνή (μείζων), Hebrews 9:11; ἀνάγαιον (R ἀνώγεον, which see), Mark 14:15; ἀποθήκη, Luke 12:18; κάμινος, Revelation 9:2; πόλις, Revelation 11:8; Revelation 16:19; Revelation 17:18; Revelation 18:2, 16, 18, 19; ποταμός, Revelation 9:14; Revelation 16:12; θύρα, 1 Corinthians 16:9; ληνός, Revelation 14:19; ὀθόνη, Acts 10:11; Acts 11:5; χάσμα, Luke 16:26 (2 Samuel 18:17). γ. measure and height: οἰκοδομαί, Mark 13:2; θρόνος, Revelation 20:11; long, μάχαιρα, Revelation 6:4; as respects stature and age, μικροί καί μεγάλοι, small and great, young and old, Acts 8:10; Acts 26:22; Hebrews 8:11; Revelation 11:18; Revelation 13:16; Revelation 19:5, 18; Revelation 20:12 (Genesis 19:11; 2 Kings 23:2; 2 Chronicles 34:30). (neuter singular used adverbially: ἐν μεγάλῳ, Acts 26:29 L T Tr WH (for R G ἐν πολλῷ, which see in πολύς, d.) in great namely, degree. The apostle plays upon Agrippa's words ἐν ὀλίγῳ (which see) in a little (time) thou woulds fain etc ... I would to God that both in little and in great i. e. in all respects etc.; cf. the use of ὀλίγον καί μέγα or μικρόν καί μέγα (yet in negative sentences) to express totality; e. g. Plato, Phileb. 21 e.; Apology 19 c.; 21 b.; 26 b.; but see d. below.)

b. of number and quantity, equivalent to numerous, large: ἀγέλη, Mark 5:11; abundant, πορισμός, 1 Timothy 6:6; μισθαποδοσία, Hebrews 10:35.

c. of age: ὁ μείζων, the elder, Romans 9:12 after Genesis 25:23 (Σκιπιων ὁ μέγας, Polybius 18, 18 (35), 9; 32, 12, 1).

d. used of intensity and its degrees: δύναμις, Acts 4:33; Acts 8:10; neuter ἐν μεγάλῳ, with great effort, Acts 26:29 L T Tr WH (but see γ. above); of the affections and emotions of the mind: χαρά, Matthew 2:10; Matthew 28:8; Luke 2:10; Luke 24:52; Acts 15:3; φόβος, Mark 4:41; Luke 2:9; Luke 8:37; Acts 5:5, 11; Revelation 11:11; θυμός, Revelation 12:12; λύπη, Romans 9:2; ἔκστασις, Mark 5:42 (Genesis 27:33); πιστός, Matthew 15:28; χάρις, Acts 4:33; ἀγάπη John 15:13. of natural events powerfully affecting the senses, equivalent to violent, mighty, strong: ἄνεμος, John 6:18; Revelation 6:13; βροντή, Revelation 14:2; χάλαζα, Revelation 11:19; Revelation 16:21; σεισμός, Matthew 8:24; Matthew 28:2; Luke 21:11; Acts 16:26; Revelation 6:12; Revelation 11:13; Revelation 16:18; λαῖλαψ, Mark 4:37; πτῶσις, Matthew 7:27. of other external things, such as are perceived by hearing: κραυγεη, Acts 23:9; Revelation 14:18 (R G); μεῖζον κράζειν, to cry out the louder, Matthew 20:31; φωνῆς, Matthew 24:31 (T omits φονης, WH only in marginal reading); ; Luke 23:23; John 11:43; Acts 8:7; Revelation 1:10; Revelation 5:2, 12; Revelation 6:10; Revelation 7:2, 10; Revelation 8:13; Revelation 10:3; Revelation 11:12, 15; ( L T Tr WH; Rec.), and elsewhere; γαλήνη, Matthew 8:26; Mark 4:39. of objects of sight which excite admiration and wonder: φῶς, Matthew 4:16; σημεῖον, Matthew 24:24; Luke 21:11; Acts 6:8; Acts 8:13; Revelation 13:13; ἔργα, Revelation 15:3; μείζω, μείζονα τούτων, greater things than these, i. e. more extraordinary, more wonderful, John 1:50 (); . of things that are felt: καῦμα, Revelation 16:9; πυρετός, Luke 4:38; of other things that distress: ἀνάγκη, Luke 21:23; (θλῖψις, Matthew 24:21; Acts 7:11; Revelation 2:22; Revelation 7:14; (διωγμός, Acts 8:1; λιμός, Luke 4:25; Acts 11:28; πληγή, Revelation 16:21.

2. predicated of rank, as belonging to a. persons, eminent for ability, virtue, authority, power; as God, and sacred personages: Θεός, Titus 2:13 ((on which see Prof. Abbot, Note C. in Journ. See Biblical Literature, etc. i., p. 19, and cf. ἐπιφάνεια)); Ἄρτεμις, Acts 19:27f, 34f; ἀρχιερεύς, Hebrews 4:14; ποιμήν, Hebrews 13:20; προφήτης, Luke 7:16; absolutely, οἱ μεγάλοι, great men, leaders, rulers, Matthew 20:25; Mark 10:42; universally, eminent, distinguished: Matthew 5:19; Matthew 20:26; Luke 1:15, 32; Acts 8:9. μείζων is used of those who surpass others — either in nature and power, as God: John 10:29 (here T Tr WH text give the neuter (see below)); John 10:28; Hebrews 6:13; 1 John 4:4; add, John 4:12; John 8:53; or in excellence, worth, authority, etc.: Matthew 11:11; Matthew 18:1; Matthew 23:11; Mark 9:34; Luke 7:28; Luke 9:46; Luke 22:26; John 13:16; John 15:20; 1 Corinthians 14:5; δυνάμει μείζονες, 2 Peter 2:11; neuter μεῖζον, something higher, more exalted, more majestic than the temple, to wit the august person of Jesus the Messiah and his preeminent influence, Matthew 12:6 L T Tr WH; (cf. John 10:29 above); contextually equivalent to strict in condemning, of God, 1 John 3:20.

b. things to be esteemed highly for their importance, equivalent to Latingravis; of great moment, of great wight, important: ἐπαγγέλματα, 2 Peter 1:4; ἐντολή, Matthew 22:36, 38; μσυτηριον, Ephesians 5:32; 1 Timothy 3:16; ἁμαρτία, John 19:11; μείζων μαρτυρία, of greater proving power, John 5:36 (see above at the beginning); 1 John 5:9 (μαρτυρίαν μείζω καί σαφεστεραν, Isocrates Archid. § 32). μέγας equivalent to solemn, sacred, of festival days (cf. Isaiah 1:18, the Sept.): ἡμέρα, John 7:37; John 19:31; notable, august, ἡμέρα, of the day of the final judgment, Acts 2:20; Jude 1:6; Revelation 6:17; Revelation 16:14. neuter μέγα, a great matter, thing of great moment: 1 Corinthians 9:11 (Genesis 45:28; Isaiah 49:6); οὐ μέγα, 2 Corinthians 11:15.

c. a thing to be highly esteemed for its excellence, equivalent to excellent: 1 Corinthians 13:13 (cf. Winers Grammar, § 35, i. Buttmann, § 123, 13); τά χαρίσματα τά μείζονα (R G κρείττονα), 1 Corinthians 12:31 L T Tr WH.

3. splendid, prepared on a grand scale, stately: δοχή, Luke 5:29 (Genesis 21:8); δεῖπνον, Luke 14:16; Revelation 19:17 (G L T Tr WH) (Daniel 5:1 (Theod.)); οἰκία, 2 Timothy 2:20 (Jeremiah 52:13; (οἶκος), 2 Chronicles 2:5, 9).

4. neuter plural μεγάλα, great things: of God's preeminent blessings, Luke 1:49 L T Tr WH (see μεγαλεῖος); of things which overstep the province of a created being, proud (presumptuous) things, full of arrogance, derogatory to the majesty of God: λαλοῦν μεγάλα joined with βλασφημίας, Revelation 13:5; Daniel 7:8, 11, 20; like μέγα εἰπεῖν, Homer, Odyssey 3, 227; 16, 243; 22, 288.

Overview of Usage

With well over two hundred occurrences, the word carries the notion of magnitude—physical, numerical, moral, spiritual, and auditory. Context determines whether it describes size (“a large upper room,” Mark 14:15), intensity (“a great earthquake,” Revelation 16:18), rank (“the greatest among you,” Luke 22:26), volume (“cried out with a loud voice,” Matthew 27:46), or significance (“great mystery,” Ephesians 5:32). The breadth of application underscores Scripture’s consistent testimony that true greatness is ultimately measured by God, revealed in Christ, and reflected in His people.

Greatness Attributed to God

Scripture repeatedly uses the word to extol God’s unmatched majesty. In Acts 2:20 Joel’s prophecy speaks of “the great and glorious day of the Lord,” and Revelation celebrates Him with “a great multitude in heaven” crying, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God” (Revelation 19:1). The superlative language magnifies divine sovereignty, righteousness, and saving power, inviting worshipers to respond with reverent awe.

Greatness Manifested in Christ

At the Annunciation the angel declares, “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High” (Luke 1:32). Jesus’ greatness is intrinsic, yet His earthly ministry redefines it as humble service (Matthew 20:26). Hebrews exalts Him as “a great high priest who has passed through the heavens” (Hebrews 4:14) and “that great Shepherd of the sheep” (Hebrews 13:20), highlighting His mediatorial work and pastoral care.

The Great Commandment and the Great Commission

When asked, “Teacher, which commandment is the greatest in the Law?” Jesus answers with the call to love God wholly and neighbor as self (Matthew 22:36-40). After resurrection He issues the mandate to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:18-20). Both passages frame Christian ethics and mission around this adjective, anchoring ministry priorities in wholehearted devotion and global proclamation.

Great Signs, Wonders, and Miracles

Luke records that Stephen was “performing great wonders and signs among the people” (Acts 6:8). Revelation heightens expectation with “great signs from heaven” (Revelation 12:1) and judgments such as “a great mountain, burning with fire” cast into the sea (Revelation 8:8). The term accentuates both gracious deliverance and solemn warning, demonstrating that God’s mighty acts summon faith and repentance.

Great Tribulation and Eschatological Scenes

Jesus foretells “a great tribulation, unmatched from the beginning of the world until now” (Matthew 24:21). Revelation unfolds the same period with “great wrath” (Revelation 12:12), “great earthquake” (Revelation 16:18), and the fall of “Babylon the great” (Revelation 18:2). These references assure believers that, despite unprecedented turmoil, divine greatness prevails and culminates in a “great white throne” judgment (Revelation 20:11) and entrance into “a great and high mountain” vision of the new Jerusalem (Revelation 21:10).

Great Joy, Fear, and Sorrow

Emotions intensified by the adjective reveal the word’s pastoral breadth. The shepherds receive “good news of great joy” (Luke 2:10). Early believers experience “great grace” (Acts 4:33) yet also “great fear” (Acts 5:11) when God defends the purity of His church. Paul carries “great sorrow and unceasing anguish” for unbelieving Israel (Romans 9:2). In every case, the magnitude of feeling corresponds to the gravity of God’s dealings.

Greatness and Humility

While the disciples argue “which of them might be greatest” (Luke 9:46), Jesus places a child in their midst and teaches that the truly great are lowly (Matthew 18:4). Servant-leadership is further enjoined: “The greatest among you shall be your servant” (Matthew 23:11). Thus, kingdom greatness subverts worldly ambition, calling leaders to self-giving love.

Great Voice and Proclamation

Paired with “voice,” the term often signifies heaven’s authoritative announcements. On the cross Jesus “cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up His spirit” (Matthew 27:50). Angels proclaim judgment and mercy “with a loud voice” (Revelation 14:7). The repeated phrase emphasizes clarity, urgency, and divine initiative in revelation and redemption.

Historical Resonance in the Early Church

Acts portrays “great persecution” (Acts 8:1) scattering believers, yet resulting in widespread gospel advance. “Great dissension” in Jerusalem (Acts 15) leads to doctrinal clarity, while “great rejoicing” accompanies the church’s missionary victories (Acts 15:3). The adjective stitches together the narrative of early Christian growth amid adversity, underscoring God’s providential greatness in history.

Pastoral and Practical Implications

1. Worship: Regular meditation on God’s greatness fuels heartfelt praise (Psalm 48:1, echoed in Revelation).
2. Service: True greatness is expressed in humility and sacrificial love (Matthew 20:26-28).
3. Endurance: Awareness of “great tribulation” equips saints for steadfast hope (Revelation 7:14).
4. Proclamation: The “great voice” motif encourages bold, clear gospel witness (Acts 4:33).

Summary

From divine attributes to eschatological events, from miracles to emotions, the New Testament employs this term to draw attention to realities that exceed ordinary measure. Each occurrence, whether describing God, Christ, the gospel, judgment, or discipleship, invites believers to recognize authentic greatness, submit to it, and reflect it in a life of faith, hope, and love.

μαγάλην μεγα μέγα μεγαλα μεγάλα μεγαλαι μεγάλαι μεγαλαις μεγάλαις μεγαλας μεγάλας ΜΕΓΑΛΗ μεγάλη μεγάλῃ μεγαλην μεγαλήν μεγάλην μεγαλης μεγάλης μεγαλοι μεγάλοι μεγάλοις μεγαλου μεγαλού μεγάλου μεγαλους μεγάλους μεγαλω μεγάλω μεγάλῳ μεγαλων μεγάλων μεγαν μέγαν μεγας μέγας μεγιστα μέγιστα μεγίστη μειζον μείζον μεῖζον μεῖζόν μειζονα μείζονα μειζονας μείζονας μειζονες μείζονες μείζονι μειζονος μείζονος μειζοτεραν μειζοτέραν μειζω μείζω μειζων μείζων mega méga megala megála megalai megálai megalais megálais megalas megálas MEGALe MEGALĒ megále megálē megálei megálēi megalen megalēn megálen megálēn megales megalēs megáles megálēs megalo megalō megaloi megáloi megálōi megalon megalōn megálon megálōn megalou megálou megalous megálous megan mégan megas mégas megista mégista meizo meizō meízo meízō meizon meizōn meízon meízōn meîzon meîzón meizona meízona meizonas meízonas meizones meízones meizonos meízonos meizoteran meizotéranInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts