### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun μεγαλειότης (G3168), transliterated as *megaleiótēs*, is derived from the adjective μεγαλεῖος (G3167), which means "magnificent," "splendid," or "grand." This root, in turn, traces back to μέγας (G3173), meaning "great." Thus, the core meaning of μεγαλειότης encapsulates the essence of "greatness" in its most profound and awe-inspiring sense.
Its semantic range includes:
* **Magnificence/Splendor:** Referring to the outward display of grandeur, often associated with divine glory or royal authority, evoking wonder and admiration.
* **Majesty:** Denoting inherent dignity, supreme authority, and sovereign power, particularly when applied to God. It speaks to the intrinsic quality of being supremely great.
* **Mighty Power:** Implying the manifest strength and capability that accompanies such overwhelming greatness, often seen in divine acts.
In essence, μεγαλειότης describes a quality of supreme excellence, power, and glory that naturally commands reverence and awe.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term μεγαλειότης appears only four times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating a distinct facet of its meaning, primarily in relation to divine attributes.
1. **[[Acts 19:27]]**: "So that not only is there danger that this trade of ours may fall into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis may be counted as nothing, and that she herself may even be dethroned from her μεγαλειότης, whom all Asia and the world worship." Here, μεγαλειότης refers to the "majesty" or "magnificence" of the pagan goddess Artemis, as perceived by her devotees. While misapplied to an idol, this usage demonstrates the human concept of supreme greatness and its association with objects of worship, highlighting the awe and reverence such perceived majesty commands.
2. **[[Luke 9:43]]**: "And they were all amazed at the μεγαλειότης of God." This verse follows Jesus' miraculous healing of the demon-possessed boy. The disciples and the crowd were astonished by the sheer power and divine authority manifested through Jesus' action. Here, μεγαλειότης refers to the overwhelming, awe-inspiring greatness of God revealed in a tangible display of miraculous power, evoking wonder and astonishment.
3. **[[2 Peter 1:16]]**: "For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His μεγαλειότης." Peter refers to the Transfiguration experience, where he, James, and John witnessed Jesus' divine glory unveiled. This is a crucial application of the term, affirming Jesus' inherent divine majesty and splendor. The Transfiguration was a pre-resurrection glimpse into Christ's true, uncreated glory, providing irrefutable evidence of His divine nature and confirming the truth of the apostolic message.
4. **[[Jude 1:25]]**: "To the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, μεγαλειότης, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen." In this doxology, μεγαλειότης is directly ascribed to God alongside "glory," "dominion," and "authority." This serves as a climactic declaration of God's inherent, eternal, and absolute greatness, power, and sovereignty. It underscores His supreme and unparalleled nature as the rightful recipient of all worship and praise.
Across these occurrences, μεγαλειότης consistently points to an overwhelming, awe-inspiring greatness, whether it is God's power in action, Christ's divine glory, or the inherent attributes of the Almighty.
### Related Words & Concepts
μεγαλειότης belongs to a rich semantic field related to divine attributes of greatness, glory, and power.
* **μέγας (megas) `{{G3173}}`**: The foundational root meaning "great," "large," or "mighty." μεγαλειότης is the abstract noun describing the *quality* of being μέγας.
* **μεγαλεῖος (megaleios) `{{G3167}}`**: The adjective from which μεγαλειότης is directly derived, meaning "magnificent," "splendid," or "grand."
* **δόξα (doxa) `{{G1391}}`**: "Glory," "honor," "splendor." Often used in conjunction with or interchangeably with μεγαλειότης to describe divine attributes. While δόξα can refer to reputation or visible manifestation of splendor, μεγαλειότης tends to emphasize the intrinsic, awe-inspiring greatness or majesty that gives rise to such glory. Their pairing in [[Jude 1:25]] suggests a complementary relationship.
* **δύναμις (dynamis) `{{G1411}}`**: "Power," "might," "ability." μεγαλειότης frequently implies the manifestation of δύναμις, as seen in [[Luke 9:43]] where God's μεγαλειότης is demonstrated through a powerful miracle.
* **κράτος (kratos) `{{G2904}}`**: "Dominion," "power," "strength." Like δόξα, κράτος is often paired with μεγαλειότης in doxologies (e.g., [[Jude 1:25]]), emphasizing God's sovereign rule and inherent might.
In the Old Testament, similar concepts of divine majesty are conveyed by terms such as גּדֶל (godel) `{{H1433}}`, meaning "greatness," or הוֹד (hod) `{{H1935}}`, referring to "splendor" or "majesty," consistently pointing to the overwhelming and unique nature of Yahweh.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μεγαλειότης is profound, serving to articulate the supreme and transcendent nature of God and, crucially, of Jesus Christ.
1. **Divine Transcendence and Awe:** μεγαλειότης consistently points to God's inherent, unparalleled greatness that utterly transcends human comprehension and earthly limitations. It evokes a sense of holy awe, reverence, and wonder in the beholder, reminding humanity of the vast, qualitative difference between the Creator and creation. The disciples' astonishment in [[Luke 9:43]] perfectly illustrates this appropriate response to God's manifest μεγαλειότης.
2. **Affirmation of Christ's Divinity:** The application of μεγαλειότης to Jesus at the Transfiguration in [[2 Peter 1:16]] is a cornerstone of New Testament Christology. It unequivocally asserts that Jesus is not merely a human prophet, teacher, or miracle-worker, but the very Son of God, possessing intrinsic divine μεγαλειότης. This visible unveiling of His glory provided the apostles with irrefutable evidence of His true identity and served as a powerful confirmation of the Gospel message.
3. **Basis for Worship and Doxology:** The climactic use of μεγαλειότης in the doxology of [[Jude 1:25]] demonstrates its fundamental role in articulating God's eternal attributes. To ascribe μεγαλειότης to God is an act of profound worship, acknowledging His supreme authority, splendor, and power as the rightful and sole recipient of all glory and honor. It grounds our worship in the objective reality of God's unparalleled nature.
4. **Contrast with Idolatrous or Human Greatness:** While the term can be misapplied to false deities (as in [[Acts 19:27]]), its predominant and proper use in the New Testament is reserved for the one true God. This implicitly contrasts the fleeting, limited, and ultimately empty "magnificence" of human constructs or idols with the eternal, infinite, and absolute μεγαλειότης of the Almighty.
In essence, μεγαλειότης serves as a powerful theological anchor, grounding believers in the reality of a majestic, awe-inspiring, and supremely powerful God, whose greatness is fully revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ.
### Summary
The Greek word μεγαλειότης (G3168) signifies "magnificence," "majesty," or "splendor," conveying an inherent quality of supreme greatness that commands awe and reverence. Derived from μεγαλεῖος (G3167), it speaks to that which is grand and exceedingly great. Its four New Testament occurrences consistently highlight this profound sense of divine greatness. In [[Luke 9:43]], it describes the μεγaleiótis of God displayed through Jesus' miraculous power. In [[2 Peter 1:16]], it powerfully affirms Christ's inherent divine glory, witnessed at the Transfiguration, serving as a crucial Christological statement. The doxology in [[Jude 1:25]] attributes eternal μεγαλειότης to God, grounding worship in His supreme attributes. Even its application to a pagan goddess in [[Acts 19:27]] underscores the human capacity to perceive and attribute "majesty," albeit misdirected. Theologically, μεγαλειότης is vital for understanding God's transcendent nature, affirming Christ's divinity, and providing a foundational basis for Christian worship and doxology, emphasizing the unparalleled, awe-inspiring power and glory of the Creator.
TRV