The Greek word mégethos, represented by G3174, conveys the concept of greatness or magnitude. It is a rare term in scripture, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse. Its singular use serves to emphasize a point of immense scale and significance.
The sole appearance of G3174 is in Ephesians 1:19, where it describes the "exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe". In this context, the word is used to articulate the immeasurable scale of God's power that is available to believers. It is not just power, but a power of such magnitude that it requires the qualifier "exceeding" G5235 to begin to describe it. This greatness is further defined as being "according to the working of his mighty power," linking it to the active and forceful nature of God's strength.
Several related words in its immediate context help clarify the meaning of G3174:
- G1411 dýnamis (power): The "greatness" of G3174 is specifically the greatness of God's power, which is defined as force, miraculous power, or mighty work. This same power is what believers receive to be witnesses Acts 1:8.
- G1753 enérgeia (working): This is defined as efficiency or "energy." The greatness of God's power is demonstrated through its effectual working Ephesians 1:19. This same divine operation is what is at work in believers who strive according to it Colossians 1:29.
- G2479 ischýs (might): Defined as forcefulness, this term describes the source of the power whose greatness is being expressed. It emphasizes the inherent strength and ability of God, which believers are called to be strong in Ephesians 6:10.
The theological weight of G3174 is focused on the magnitude of divine power accessible to the faithful.
- Power Toward Believers: The "exceeding greatness of his power" is explicitly directed "to us-ward who believe" Ephesians 1:19. It is not a distant, abstract concept but a present reality for those with faith.
- Surpassing Magnitude: The use of "exceeding" G5235 with "greatness" establishes a power that surpasses human standards and comprehension. This same surpassing quality is used to describe the riches of God's grace Ephesians 2:7 and the love of Christ Ephesians 3:19.
- Operational Reality: The greatness is linked to the "working" G1753 of God's might. This indicates that God's power is not static but is an active, operational force. This is the same "operation of God" that raised Christ from the dead Colossians 2:12, which is the ultimate demonstration of its greatness.
In summary, G3174 mégethos, while used only once, provides a crucial descriptor for God's power. It conveys a greatness that is immense, surpassing, and specifically directed toward believers. Its appearance in scripture serves to elevate the understanding of divine power from a mere concept to a tangible, operational force of unimaginable magnitude, the same force that was at work in Christ.
TRV