### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word πηλίκος (`{{G4080}}`), transliterated as *pēlíkos*, is an interrogative adjective derived from the base of πού (`{{G4226}}`), meaning "where" or "whither." In its quantitative form, *pēlíkos* conveys the sense of "how much," "how great," or "how large." Its primary function is to express magnitude, whether in terms of physical dimension or, more profoundly, in terms of dignity, importance, or spiritual stature. It often carries an exclamatory force, emphasizing the remarkable extent of the quality being described. The term thus spans a semantic range from literal size to figurative significance, prompting the reader or hearer to consider the impressive scale of something.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word *pēlíkos* appears twice in the New Testament, each instance illustrating its dual application:
1. **Galatians 6:11**: "See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand." [[Galatians 6:11]] Here, *pēlíkos* refers to the physical size of the letters Paul is writing. This phrase is often understood as Paul's personal emphasis on the gravity and truth of his message, perhaps signifying his earnestness or the importance of the doctrines he is conveying regarding justification by faith versus works of the law. The "large letters" serve as a visual marker of the weightiness of his final exhortations to the Galatian believers, underscoring the authenticity and personal investment in his address.
2. **Hebrews 7:4**: "Now consider how great this man was, to whom even Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils." [[Hebrews 7:4]] In this context, *pēlíkos* transcends mere physical size and refers to the profound spiritual dignity and preeminence of Melchizedek. The author of Hebrews uses this word to draw attention to Melchizedek's exceptional status, highlighted by Abraham's act of tithing to him. This "greatness" is foundational to the author's argument for the superiority of Melchizedek's priesthood, which serves as a type foreshadowing the even greater and eternally superior priesthood of Jesus Christ. The rhetorical question "how great" invites the reader to ponder the immense significance of Melchizedek in salvation history.
These two occurrences demonstrate the versatility of *pēlíkos*, moving from the tangible realm of physical writing to the abstract realm of spiritual authority and significance.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek terms share semantic overlap with *pēlíkos* in expressing magnitude, though with distinct nuances:
* **μέγας (`{{G3173}}`)**: *Megas* is the most common adjective for "great," "large," or "mighty." It is a general descriptor of size, intensity, or importance (e.g., "great multitude," "great voice," "great power"). While *megas* simply states greatness, *pēlíkos* often *interrogates* or *exclaims* "how great," inviting contemplation of the extent.
* **πολύς (`{{G4183}}`)**: *Polys* signifies "much" or "many," primarily dealing with quantity rather than inherent greatness or size in the same way as *pēlíkos*.
* **ὅσος (`{{G3745}}`)**: *Hosos* means "as much as" or "as great as," serving as a relative pronoun that often introduces a comparison or specifies the extent of something. While it relates to quantity/magnitude, it lacks the interrogative or exclamatory force inherent in *pēlíkos*.
The distinctiveness of *pēlíkos* lies in its capacity to evoke wonder or emphasize the *degree* of greatness, often in a rhetorical or exclamatory manner, compelling the audience to acknowledge the remarkable scale of the subject.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *pēlíkos* is profound, particularly in its usage in the Epistle to the Hebrews. In Galatians, Paul's "large letters" underscore his earnestness and the divine authority behind his message, emphasizing the critical importance of the doctrine of justification by faith alone. This personal emphasis serves to highlight the unwavering truth of the gospel he proclaims, a truth of immense theological weight for the early church.
However, it is in Hebrews 7:4 that *pēlíkos* carries its most substantial theological import. By asking the reader to "consider how great this man was," the author strategically elevates Melchizedek's status. This elevation is not an end in itself but a crucial step in demonstrating the superior nature of Christ's priesthood. The argument hinges on the premise that if Abraham, the patriarch and recipient of God's promises, acknowledged Melchizedek's superior authority by tithing to him, then Melchizedek's priesthood must be of a higher order than the Levitical priesthood which descended from Abraham. This sets the stage for the climactic assertion that Jesus Christ's priesthood, being "after the order of Melchizedek," is eternally superior to the temporary and imperfect Aaronic priesthood. Thus, *pēlíkos* serves as a linchpin in the typological argument, drawing attention to the divine appointment and unparalleled dignity of a figure who prefigures the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ. The word compels the reader to acknowledge the unparalleled magnitude of Christ's saving work and His exalted position.
### Summary
The Greek word πηλίκος (`{{G4080}}`), *pēlíkos*, conveys the meaning of "how great" or "how large," encompassing both physical dimensions and, more significantly, spiritual dignity and importance. Its two New Testament occurrences beautifully illustrate this semantic range: in Galatians 6:11, it denotes the literal "large letters" Paul used to emphasize his urgent message; in Hebrews 7:4, it rhetorically asks the reader to consider the profound "greatness" of Melchizedek. This latter usage is particularly significant, as it underscores the superior spiritual authority of Melchizedek as a type, thereby establishing a foundational argument for the eternal and surpassing priesthood of Jesus Christ. *Pēlíkos* thus serves as an emphatic interrogative or exclamatory term, compelling the audience to acknowledge and ponder the remarkable magnitude of the subject, whether it be the earnestness of an apostle's writing or the preeminent dignity of Christ's divine office.
TRV