### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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