### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **pleîstos**, represented by `{{G4118}}`, is an irregular superlative meaning **the largest number or very large**. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. Its usage consistently denotes a maximum quantity or a great majority, whether referring to people, actions, or setting a specific limit.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical applications, `{{G4118}}` is used to quantify the scale of events and the extent of divine action. It describes the **very great** multitude that honored Jesus by spreading their **garments** `{{G2440}}` and **branches** `{{G2798}}` in the way [[Matthew 21:8]]. It is also used to emphasize the accountability of the cities where the **most** of Christ's **mighty works** `{{G1411}}` were performed, yet they did **not** `{{G3756}}` **repent** `{{G3340}}` [[Matthew 11:20]]. Finally, it serves a regulatory purpose in the church, limiting the number of people speaking in a tongue to two, or at the **most**, three [[1 Corinthians 14:27]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{G4118}}` is used:
* `{{G1411}}` **dýnamis** (force... miraculous power): This word for **mighty works** is what `{{G4118}}` quantifies in [[Matthew 11:20]], showing that the **most** of Jesus' powerful miracles were done in cities that failed to repent.
* `{{G3793}}` **óchlos** (a throng... multitude): This is the **multitude** described as **very great** with `{{G4118}}`. It captures the scale of the crowd participating in Jesus' triumphal entry [[Matthew 21:8]].
* `{{G1100}}` **glōssa** (the tongue; by implication, a language): The exercise of speaking in a **tongue** is the subject being regulated in [[1 Corinthians 14:27]], where `{{G4118}}` sets the maximum number of speakers.
* `{{G1329}}` **diermēneúō** (to explain thoroughly, by implication, to translate): This word for **interpret** is paired with the instruction containing `{{G4118}}`, highlighting that after a limited number speak, **one** `{{G1520}}` must **interpret** [[1 Corinthians 14:27]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4118}}` is demonstrated in its specific applications:
* **Divine Accountability:** The term underscores the principle of greater responsibility with greater revelation. The cities that witnessed the **most** `{{G4118}}` of Jesus' **mighty works** `{{G1411}}` were upbraided for their lack of repentance, linking divine action directly to human accountability [[Matthew 11:20]].
* **Messianic Recognition:** When describing the **very great** `{{G4118}}` **multitude** `{{G3793}}` at the triumphal entry, the word emphasizes the massive scale of public acknowledgment given to Jesus as king, even if it was fleeting [[Matthew 21:8]].
* **Order in the Church:** `{{G4118}}` is used to establish divine order for worship. By setting a limit of "at the **most** by three" for speaking in tongues, it prioritizes mutual edification and clarity over uninterpreted spiritual expression [[1 Corinthians 14:27]].
### Summary
In summary, **pleîstos** `{{G4118}}` is a specific superlative that, while rare, carries significant meaning. It functions to establish a maximum scale, whether describing a "very great" crowd, the "most" of Christ's miracles, or a firm limit for orderly conduct in worship. Its uses directly inform key theological concepts of judgment, messianic acknowledgment, and the importance of structure within the church, illustrating how a word of quantity can define spiritual responsibility.
TRV