### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **mégistos**, represented by `{{G3176}}`, is the superlative form of *mégas*, meaning **greatest** or **very great**. It is a rare term in scripture, appearing only **1 time** in **1 verse**. Its singular use describes something as "exceeding great," emphasizing its supreme and unparalleled quality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G3176}}` is in [[2 Peter 1:4]], where it is used to describe the magnitude of God's promises. The verse states that **exceeding great** and precious promises are given to believers. The purpose of these immense promises is to enable believers to become "partakers of the divine nature" and to have "escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust" [[2 Peter 1:4]]. The term highlights the unparalleled scale of what God has bestowed.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the passage help clarify the meaning and context of `{{G3176}}`:
* `{{G5093}}` **tímios** (valuable, i.e. (objectively) costly, or (subjectively) honored, esteemed, or (figuratively) beloved): Paired directly with **mégistos**, this word emphasizes the immense value of God's promises, describing them as both "exceeding great" and **precious** [[2 Peter 1:4]].
* `{{G1862}}` **epángelma** (a self-committal (by assurance of conferring some good)): This is the noun that **mégistos** modifies. It refers to a **promise**, and its connection to `{{G3176}}` shows that the commitments God makes to believers are of the highest possible magnitude [[2 Peter 1:4]].
* `{{G1433}}` **dōréomai** (to bestow gratuitously): This word clarifies that the "exceeding great" promises are not earned but are freely **given** unto believers. His divine power has **given** unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness [[2 Peter 1:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3176}}` is centered on its singular, powerful application.
* **The Scale of Divine Promises:** The use of `{{G3176}}` establishes that God's commitments are not merely helpful but are of the greatest possible scale. They are described as "exceeding great and **precious**" `{{G5093}}` promises [[2 Peter 1:4]].
* **Participation in the Divine Nature:** These promises are the means by which believers might become **partakers** `{{G2844}}` of the **divine** `{{G2304}}` **nature** `{{G5449}}`. The "exceeding great" quality of the promise is directly linked to this profound spiritual transformation [[2 Peter 1:4]].
* **Deliverance from Corruption:** The promises serve a sanctifying purpose: to enable believers to have **escaped** `{{G668}}` the **corruption** `{{G5356}}` that permeates the **world** `{{G2889}}` through **lust** `{{G1939}}` [[2 Peter 1:4]]. The greatness of the gift provides the way out of worldly decay.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3176}}` **mégistos** is a powerful superlative meaning **greatest** or **exceeding great**. While used only once, its placement in [[2 Peter 1:4]] gives it immense theological weight. It defines the scale of the **promises** `{{G1862}}` given by God, which are the means for believers to partake in the **divine nature** `{{G2304}}` `{{G5449}}` and escape the world's **corruption** `{{G5356}}`. The rarity of `{{G3176}}` amplifies the significance of what God has freely given to his people.
TRV