### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb megálōs (`{{G3171}}`) is derived from the adjective mégas (`{{G3173}}`), which means "great," "large," or "mighty." As an adverb, megálōs intensifies the verb or adjective it modifies, conveying the sense of "greatly," "mightily," "exceedingly," or "to a great extent." Its core semantic range centers on emphasizing magnitude, intensity, or abundance in relation to an action or quality. It denotes a high degree, indicating that something occurs or exists in a significant, extensive, or powerful manner.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The adverb megálōs (`{{G3171}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in a highly significant context:
* **[[Acts 26:29]]**: In this passage, Paul stands before King Agrippa, making a powerful defense of his faith and ministry. He concludes his testimony with an impassioned plea: "And Paul said, 'I would to God that whether with little or with much, not only you but also all who are listening to me today might become such as I am, except for these chains.'" The phrase "whether with little or with much" (καὶ ἐν ὀλίγῳ καὶ ἐν μεγάλῳ), though involving a textual variant where some manuscripts read megálōs (`{{G3171}}`) and others megálō (`{{G3173}}` dative singular used adverbially), consistently conveys the sense of "to a small degree or to a great degree," or "whether quickly or after much persuasion." When megálōs is present, it emphasizes the *great extent* of Paul's desire for the conversion of his hearers. It signifies that his prayer for their salvation is not limited by circumstances or the perceived difficulty of their conversion; he desires it *greatly* and comprehensively for all. This single occurrence powerfully highlights the intensity of Paul's evangelistic passion and his fervent hope for the spiritual transformation of King Agrippa and his entire audience.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding megálōs (`{{G3171}}`) is enhanced by examining its linguistic family and semantically related terms:
* **mégas (`{{G3173}}`):** The foundational adjective meaning "great, large, mighty." The adverb megálōs directly derives its intensifying force from this root.
* **megalynō (`{{G3170}}`):** A verb meaning "to magnify, make great, extol." This verb shares the same root and speaks to the act of exalting or proclaiming the greatness of something or someone, often God.
* **megaleiotēs (`{{G3168}}`):** A noun meaning "greatness, majesty, splendor," frequently used to describe the awe-inspiring majesty and glory of God.
* **megalophōnōs (`{{G3172}}`):** An adverb meaning "with a loud voice," also stemming from mégas, indicating a great volume.
* **Concepts of Intensity:** Other Greek adverbs that convey a high degree or intensity, though with different nuances, include perissōs (`{{G4057}}`, "exceedingly, abundantly"), sphodra (`{{G4970}}`, "very much, exceedingly"), and lian (`{{G3029}}`, "very, exceedingly"). These words, while distinct, share the common function of emphasizing the extent or degree of an action or quality.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence in the New Testament, megálōs (`{{G3171}}`) carries profound theological weight within the context of [[Acts 26:29]]. Paul's use of this adverb, or its adverbial equivalent, in his prayer for King Agrippa and his audience, underscores several key theological points:
* **The Depth of Apostolic Zeal:** It reveals the *great* and unreserved earnestness of Paul's desire for the salvation of souls. His evangelistic passion was not superficial but deeply rooted, extending to all who heard him, regardless of their status or initial receptivity.
* **The Comprehensive Nature of the Gospel Call:** The phrase "whether with little or with much" (intensified by megálōs) suggests that the Gospel call is for everyone, regardless of their current spiritual understanding or commitment. God's grace is *great* enough to transform hearts at any stage.
* **The Magnitude of Spiritual Transformation:** Paul's prayer is for Agrippa and others to become "such as I am," signifying a complete and radical conversion to Christ, even embracing the suffering that might accompany such commitment. This is a *great* and profound spiritual change that only God can accomplish.
* **God's Greatness in Salvation:** Implicitly, Paul's *great* desire for their conversion points to the *greatness* of the God who is able to bring about such a transformation. It is a testament to the boundless power and grace of the Almighty.
### Summary
The Greek adverb megálōs (`{{G3171}}`), meaning "greatly," "mightily," or "to a great extent," is derived from the adjective mégas (`{{G3173}}`). Its single New Testament appearance in [[Acts 26:29]] is highly significant. In this verse, Paul's fervent prayer for King Agrippa and his audience to embrace Christ, "whether with little or with much," is intensified by megálōs, signifying the *great* and comprehensive nature of his evangelistic hope. Theologically, this word underscores the profound depth of apostolic zeal, the universal reach of the Gospel call, and the magnificent spiritual transformation that God desires and accomplishes in human hearts. Though rare, megálōs powerfully conveys the boundless passion for souls and the immense scope of God's redemptive work.
TRV