### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective μεγαλεῖος (megaleîos), Strong's number `{{G3167}}`, derives directly from μέγας (megas, `{{G3173}}`), meaning "great" or "large." At its core, μεγαλεῖος signifies that which is magnificent, splendid, grand, or awe-inspiring. It denotes an extraordinary quality or scale, evoking wonder and admiration. When used in the neuter plural form, μεγαλεῖα (megaleia), as it is in all its New Testament occurrences, it functions as a noun, referring to "great things," "magnificent deeds," or "wonderful works." This usage highlights the *manifestation* of greatness, whether as a "conspicuous favor" bestowed by God or as a display of divine "perfection" and power. The term inherently points to actions or realities that transcend the ordinary and bear the stamp of divine agency and majesty.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term μεγαλεῖα (megaleia) appears twice in the New Testament, each instance powerfully underscoring the magnificent works of God:
* **[[Luke 1:49]]**: In Mary's Magnificat, she proclaims, "For He who is mighty has done great things for me" (ὅτι ἐποίησέν μοι μεγαλεῖα ὁ δυνατός). Here, μεγαλεῖα refers to the miraculous and profound intervention of God in Mary's life, specifically her supernatural conception of Jesus. These "great things" encompass not only the personal favor shown to Mary but also the fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Israel, marking a pivotal moment in salvation history. The context emphasizes God's power (ὁ δυνατός) and holiness (ἅγιον τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ), linking His character to His magnificent deeds.
* **[[Acts 2:11]]**: On the Day of Pentecost, after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, the apostles begin speaking in various languages. The astonished crowd exclaims, "we hear them speaking in our own tongues the mighty works of God" (λαλούντων τὰ μεγαλεῖα τοῦ Θεοῦ). In this context, μεγαλεῖα denotes the miraculous events accompanying the Spirit's descent and the apostles' inspired proclamation. These "mighty works" are not merely linguistic feats but a divine demonstration of power, signifying the inauguration of the new covenant era and the universal reach of the Gospel. The term encapsulates the awe-inspiring, supernatural acts of God that authenticate the apostolic message and draw people to faith.
In both instances, μεγαλεῖα describes God's active, powerful, and visible involvement in human affairs, demonstrating His sovereignty and grace.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of μεγαλεῖος is rich, connecting it to several key biblical terms and theological concepts:
* **μέγας (megas, `{{G3173}}`)**: The root word, meaning "great," "large," or "important." μεγαλεῖος intensifies this, denoting not merely size or significance but an inherent magnificence and grandeur.
* **μεγαλειότης (megaleiotes, `{{G3172}}`)**: This related noun means "magnificence," "majesty," or "greatness." While μεγαλεῖος is an adjective (used substantively as "great things"), μεγαλειότης refers to the quality of majesty itself. For instance, in [[2 Peter 1:16]], the disciples are described as eyewitnesses of Christ's μεγαλειότης (majesty) at the Transfiguration. The two words are closely aligned, with μεγαλεῖος often describing the *manifestations* of μεγαλειότης.
* **δύναμις (dynamis, `{{G1411}}`)**: "Power" or "ability." The "great things" of God are inherently powerful, demonstrating His omnipotence.
* **θαυμάσιος (thaumasios, `{{G2297}}`)**: "Wonderful" or "marvellous." This term often describes things that evoke wonder, a natural response to God's μεγαλεῖα.
* **Divine Revelation**: The "great things" of God are always revelatory, making known His character, plans, and power to humanity.
* **Salvation History**: Both occurrences of μεγαλεῖα are embedded in crucial moments of salvation history: the Incarnation and the birth of the Church.
* **Praise and Worship**: Witnessing God's μεγαλεῖα naturally elicits praise, as seen in Mary's song and the crowd's astonishment at Pentecost.
### Theological Significance
The term μεγαλεῖος profoundly illuminates the nature of God and His relationship with creation. It signifies:
* **God's Active Sovereignty**: The "great things" are not passive attributes but active, deliberate interventions by God in the world. They demonstrate His absolute control and purposeful direction of history.
* **Divine Power and Omnipotence**: The acts described as μεγαλεῖα are beyond human capability, pointing directly to God's infinite power and ability to accomplish His will.
* **Grace and Favor**: For Mary, God's "great things" were an unparalleled display of His unmerited favor, highlighting His condescension and love for humanity.
* **The Unveiling of God's Plan**: The μεγαλεῖα at Pentecost were not random occurrences but the fulfillment of prophecy and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan to gather people from every nation.
* **Call to Awe and Reverence**: The sheer magnitude and wonder of God's μεγαλεῖα evoke a fitting response of awe, reverence, and worship from those who witness them. They are a testimony to God's glory that demands a response of faith and praise.
* **Continuity of God's Works**: The New Testament use of μεγαλεῖα echoes the Old Testament concept of God's "mighty acts" (e.g., the Exodus, creation), affirming that the God who acted powerfully in the past continues to do so in the new covenant era.
### Summary
The Greek word μεγαλεῖος (megaleîos, `{{G3167}}`), particularly in its neuter plural form μεγαλεῖα, encapsulates the magnificent, splendid, and awe-inspiring works of God. Rooted in the concept of "greatness," it describes divine actions that transcend the ordinary, manifesting God's power, favor, and sovereign will. Its occurrences in [[Luke 1:49]] and [[Acts 2:11]] highlight God's direct, miraculous intervention in salvation history, from the Incarnation to the birth of the Church. These "great things" serve as irrefutable evidence of God's character and power, inviting humanity to respond with wonder, praise, and submission to His glorious majesty.
TRV