μῆκος

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word mēkos, represented by G3372, defines length, both in a literal and figurative sense. It appears 3 times across 2 unique verses, where it is used to convey a sense of vast dimension, whether applied to a divine concept or a physical structure.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The use of G3372 in scripture is pointed and specific. In a figurative sense, it is part of a list of dimensions—breadth, length, depth, and height—that believers are encouraged to comprehend with all the saints Ephesians 3:18. In a more literal application, it is used to describe the perfect and equal measurements of the New Jerusalem, where the length is as large as the breadth, and the length, breadth, and height are all equal Revelation 21:16.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help define the spatial and conceptual dimensions often associated with G3372:

• G4114 plátos (width:--breadth): This term for breadth appears directly alongside length in both of its primary occurrences, emphasizing a multi-dimensional reality (Ephesians 3:18, Revelation 21:16).
• G5311 hýpsos (elevation... altitude... height): As the term for height, it completes the dimensional picture in both Ephesians and Revelation. It is also used to signify something "on high" in a spiritual sense Luke 1:78.
• G899 báthos (profundity... mystery:--deep(-ness, things), depth): Meaning depth, this word is used with length to describe the full scope of what can be comprehended by the saints Ephesians 3:18. It can also refer to "the deep things of God" 1 Corinthians 2:10.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G3372 is tied to its use in measuring divine concepts and creations.

• Comprehending the Immeasurable: In Ephesians, length is presented as one of the dimensions of a profound spiritual reality that believers are enabled to grasp, suggesting the vastness of God's plan or love Ephesians 3:18.
• Symbol of Divine Perfection: The literal length of the New Jerusalem, being equal to its other dimensions, conveys a sense of divine order, perfection, and completeness in God's ultimate dwelling place Revelation 21:16.

Summary

In summary, G3372 is a specific term that carries significant weight in its few appearances. Though its basic meaning is simply length, it is used to frame concepts of immense scale. It helps articulate both the boundless, figurative dimensions of spiritual comprehension and the perfect, literal dimensions of God's new creation.