### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **megistânes**, represented by `{{G3175}}`, is used to describe **grandees**, a term for **great men** or **lords**. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. The word specifically denotes individuals holding significant positions of power, authority, and social standing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3175}}` is used to identify the powerful elite of society. At a birthday supper, Herod gathers his **lords** along with high captains and the chief estates of Galilee, indicating a class of nobility and court officials [[Mark 6:21]]. In the book of Revelation, the **great men** are listed among the most powerful figures of the world—including kings, rich men, and chief captains—who hide from divine judgment [[Revelation 6:15]]. The term is also used to equate the world's most influential figures with its merchants, stating that Babylon's "merchants were the **great men** of the earth" [[Revelation 18:23]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the sphere of influence occupied by the **megistânes**:
* `{{G935}}` **basileús** (a sovereign): This word for **king** often appears alongside `{{G3175}}` to denote the highest level of earthly rulers who, together with the **great men**, face divine judgment [[Revelation 6:15]].
* `{{G5506}}` **chilíarchos** (the commander of a thousand soldiers): This military title, translated as **chief captains** or **high captains**, describes military leaders. They are mentioned in the same lists as **lords** and **great men**, highlighting a class of powerful figures in both royal courts and eschatological events ([[Mark 6:21]], [[Revelation 6:15]]).
* `{{G1713}}` **émporos** (a (wholesale) tradesman): This term for **merchant** is explicitly equated with the **great men** in the context of Babylon's fall, showing that commercial power is a defining characteristic of these influential figures [[Revelation 18:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3175}}` is tied to its portrayal of worldly power.
* **Earthly Authority and Status:** The term consistently designates individuals at the apex of worldly power structures. They are the **lords** in a king's court and are grouped with kings and military commanders, representing the ruling class ([[Mark 6:21]], [[Revelation 6:15]]).
* **Subject to Divine Judgment:** In its apocalyptic contexts, `{{G3175}}` is used to describe those who, despite their power, cannot escape divine wrath. The **great men** are shown hiding in fear from the Lamb, demonstrating the ultimate futility of their earthly status [[Revelation 6:15]].
* **Economic Power as a Defining Trait:** The word is directly linked to immense wealth and commercial influence. The declaration that Babylon's **merchants** were the **great men** of the earth suggests that their global trade was the source of their power and a reason for judgment [[Revelation 18:23]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3175}}` **megistânes** is a specific term for the powerful elites of the world, whether as **lords** in a political court or as **great men** defined by their commercial and social influence. While it can simply describe a high-ranking social class [[Mark 6:21]], its primary use in scripture is to identify a group of powerful but ungodly leaders who are ultimately subject to divine judgment. The word illustrates that no amount of earthly status or wealth can stand against the authority of God ([[Revelation 6:15]], [[Revelation 18:23]]).
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