### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word μεγιστᾶνες (megistânes) is a plural noun derived from μέγιστος (megistos), which is the superlative form of μέγας (megas), meaning "great." Thus, μεγιστᾶνες literally translates to "the greatest ones" or "the most eminent ones." Its semantic range encompasses individuals of the highest rank, power, or influence within a society. This includes nobles, dignitaries, chief men, high officials, or lords. The term emphasizes their preeminence, grandeur, and elevated status, distinguishing them from ordinary leaders or general populace. It speaks to those who hold significant sway due to their position, wealth, or authority.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term μεγιστᾶνες appears three times in the New Testament, with significant contextual implications:
* **[[Mark 6:21]]**: "And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee." Here, μεγιστᾶνες refers to the most distinguished guests at Herod Antipas's birthday feast. These individuals were the elite of his court and administration, representing the highest echelons of Galilean society. The context underscores their worldly power and social prestige, contrasting with the humble circumstances of John the Baptist's imprisonment and subsequent execution.
* **[[Revelation 6:15]]**: "And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains." In this apocalyptic vision, μεγιστᾶνες are listed among the powerful and privileged of the earth. Alongside kings, the wealthy, and military commanders, they are depicted as seeking refuge from the overwhelming wrath of God. Their elevated status offers no immunity or protection from divine judgment, highlighting the universal nature of God's impending wrath.
* **[[Revelation 18:23]]**: "And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived." This verse describes the ultimate downfall of Babylon, a symbolic representation of the corrupt world system. The "merchants" of Babylon are identified as the μεγιστᾶνες of the earth, implying that the city's power, wealth, and influence were built upon the exploitation and spiritual deception orchestrated by its most prominent and powerful citizens. This usage links worldly greatness with the forces opposing God's kingdom and underscores its eventual destruction.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **μέγας (megas) `{{G3173}}`**: The root word for "great," from which μεγιστᾶνες is derived. This connection emphasizes the *magnitude* and *prominence* of these individuals.
* **μέγιστος (megistos)**: The superlative form, meaning "greatest," directly informing the core meaning of μεγιστᾶνες.
* **ἄρχων (archon) `{{G758}}`**: "Ruler, prince." While ἄρχων denotes a position of authority, μεγιστᾶνες specifically highlights the *most eminent* or *highest-ranking* individuals within that sphere, often encompassing a broader class of grandees rather than a specific office.
* **δυνάστης (dynastes) `{{G1413}}`**: "Potentate, ruler." Similar to ἄρχων, but μεγιστᾶνες emphasizes their *social standing* and *grandeur* in addition to their power.
* **βασιλεύς (basileus) `{{G935}}`**: "King." Kings are often μεγιστᾶνες, but the latter term is broader, encompassing high-ranking officials, nobles, and wealthy elites who may not hold a royal title.
* **Pride and Arrogance**: Given the contexts in Revelation, μεγιστᾶνες are often associated with human pride, self-sufficiency, and a reliance on worldly power that stands in opposition to divine authority.
* **Worldly Power vs. Divine Authority**: The term frequently appears in contexts that highlight the stark contrast between transient human power structures and the ultimate, inescapable sovereignty of God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μεγιστᾶνες in the New Testament lies primarily in its role within the eschatological narrative of Revelation. It serves as a powerful symbol of human power, prestige, and worldly accomplishment, which are ultimately shown to be futile and vulnerable in the face of God's righteous judgment.
In [[Revelation 6:15]], the depiction of μεγιστᾶνες hiding in terror alongside all other social strata underscores the universality of divine wrath and the absolute sovereignty of God. No earthly status, wealth, or power can provide refuge or immunity from His judgment. This challenges the human tendency to place trust in worldly greatness and reminds believers that true security lies solely in God.
Furthermore, in [[Revelation 18:23]], the involvement of μεγιστᾶνες in the corruption and downfall of Babylon illustrates the deep entanglement of worldly power with sin and rebellion against God. Their "greatness" is revealed as a vehicle for deception and exploitation, leading to their ultimate destruction. This reinforces a consistent biblical theme: the inherent dangers of worldly power when it is not submitted to God's will and used for His righteous purposes. The term implicitly calls believers to recognize the ephemeral nature of earthly glory and to seek true greatness in humility, service, and faithfulness to Christ.
### Summary
μεγιστᾶνες (megistânes) refers to "grandees," "great men," or "lords"—individuals of the highest social, political, or economic standing. Derived from the Greek word for "greatest," it signifies those who possess preeminence and influence in the world. In the New Testament, particularly within the apocalyptic visions of Revelation, the term consistently highlights the transient and ultimately powerless nature of human authority and prestige when confronted by divine judgment. Whether at Herod's court or among the elite of a fallen Babylon, the μεγιστᾶνες represent the pinnacle of worldly power that offers no refuge from God's wrath and is often implicated in the world's rebellion against Him. The term thus serves as a powerful theological reminder of God's absolute sovereignty and the ultimate vanity of earthly renown.
TRV