from (a comrade, i.e. one of the same age); as big as, i.e. (interjectively) how much:--how (what) great.
Transliteration:hēlíkos
Pronunciation:hay-lee'-kos
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective hēlíkos (`{{G2245}}`) derives from a root signifying "of the same age" or "a comrade," implying a sense of comparison or measure. However, its usage in the New Testament transcends a simple comparative and functions primarily as an interrogative or exclamatory particle, denoting magnitude, extent, or size. It translates to "how great," "how much," or "what great," emphasizing the astonishing or significant scale of something. Unlike a mere descriptor of size (e.g., `{{G3173}}` *megas*, great), hēlíkos carries an inherent sense of wonder, surprise, or emphasis regarding the degree of greatness, often highlighting a disproportionate effect or an unexpected vastness. Its semantic range thus encompasses not just the physical or quantitative dimension, but also the qualitative impact or intensity of a matter.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term hēlíkos (`{{G2245}}`) appears twice in the New Testament, each instance powerfully illustrating its core meaning of emphasizing magnitude:
1. **[[James 3:5]]**: "Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!" (KJV). Here, James uses hēlíkos to underscore the immense and destructive power of the tongue, despite its small physical size. The phrase "how great a matter" (or "how great a forest," as some translations render *pyr*) vividly portrays the disproportionate damage a small spark (the tongue's words) can inflict. The exclamation draws attention to the terrifying scale of the potential devastation, serving as a stark warning about verbal sin. The focus is on the vastness of the consequence stemming from a seemingly insignificant origin.
2. **[[Colossians 2:1]]**: "For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face." (ESV). In this context, hēlíkos describes the intensity and magnitude of Paul's spiritual struggle (*agōn*) on behalf of the Colossian and Laodicean believers. It is not merely a "struggle" but a "how great a struggle," conveying the depth of his pastoral concern, his fervent prayers, and perhaps the spiritual warfare he engages in for their faithfulness. The word here highlights the profound personal investment and arduous effort Paul expends, demonstrating the immense love and commitment of the apostle to the spiritual well-being of the churches he serves, even those he has not personally visited.
In both occurrences, hēlíkos functions to draw the reader's attention to an impressive or startling degree of magnitude, whether in a negative (destructive potential) or positive (intense pastoral care) sense.
### Related Words & Concepts
Hēlíkos (`{{G2245}}`) exists within a semantic field related to size, scale, and intensity. While distinct in its interrogative/exclamatory force, it shares conceptual space with:
* `{{G3173}}` (*megas*): "great," "large," a more general descriptor of size or importance. hēlíkos often implies a *megas* quality, but with an added emphasis on the *degree* of greatness.
* `{{G4183}}` (*polys*): "much," "many," referring to quantity or abundance. While hēlíkos can imply "much," its primary focus is on the *extent* or *magnitude* rather than mere number.
* `{{G1411}}` (*dynamis*): "power," "might," often conveying the inherent ability or force that results in great effects. In James 3:5, the "how great" of the fire speaks to its destructive *dynamis*.
* Concepts such as consequence, impact, intensity, and the often-unseen vastness of spiritual realities are closely associated with the use of hēlíkos. It prompts reflection on the disproportionate effects of seemingly small actions or the profound depth of spiritual commitments.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of hēlíkos (`{{G2245}}`) lies in its capacity to underscore profound truths about human responsibility, the nature of spiritual realities, and the depth of divine and human love.
In [[James 3:5]], the use of hēlíkos elevates the seemingly mundane act of speaking into a matter of immense spiritual consequence. It reveals that sin, even in its most common and seemingly insignificant forms (like careless words), possesses a terrifying capacity for widespread destruction. This highlights the biblical emphasis on the power of the tongue as a spiritual instrument, capable of both blessing and cursing, and the critical need for wisdom, self-control, and divine grace in its use. It implicitly points to the vastness of the moral and spiritual implications of human choices, even small ones.
In [[Colossians 2:1]], hēlíkos illuminates the sacrificial and profound nature of apostolic ministry. Paul's "how great a struggle" is not merely personal effort but a spiritual labor rooted in love for the church and zeal for the glory of Christ. This reveals the intensity of spiritual warfare and the immense investment required to shepherd God's people in truth. It speaks to the magnitude of the mystery of Christ, for which Paul contends, and the depth of the love that compels servants of God to such arduous labor. It also serves as a model of selfless devotion for all who minister in the name of Christ.
Thus, hēlíkos, though infrequent, serves as a powerful rhetorical device to draw attention to the immense scale of both human sin's destructive potential and God-given ministry's redemptive labor, prompting deeper reflection on the gravity of spiritual matters.
### Summary
The Greek word hēlíkos (`{{G2245}}`) functions as an emphatic interrogative or exclamatory term meaning "how great" or "what great." Its etymological root suggesting comparison evolves into a powerful expression of magnitude or extent, often highlighting a surprising or significant scale. In [[James 3:5]], it underscores the disproportionate and destructive power of the tongue, revealing the vast consequences of seemingly small actions. In [[Colossians 2:1]], it conveys the profound intensity and scope of Paul's pastoral struggle and love for the believers. Theologically, hēlíkos thus serves to magnify the gravity of human responsibility in sin and the depth of sacrificial love in ministry, drawing attention to the immense, often unseen, dimensions of spiritual realities.
TRV