### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word τηλικοῦτος (tēlikoûtos), Strong's number `{{G5082}}`, is an adjective signifying "such as this," specifically in terms of magnitude. It is a compound word derived from the definite article ὁ (ho), the interrogative/relative adjective ἡλίκος (hēlikos, `{{G2245}}`) meaning "how great" or "how large," and the demonstrative pronoun οὗτος (houtos, `{{G3778}}`) meaning "this." The combination yields a sense of "so great," "so vast," or "so mighty," emphasizing an impressive or overwhelming scale. It denotes not merely size, but a significant degree of greatness, often with an implied sense of wonder, awe, or warning due to its immense proportion. Its semantic range primarily revolves around magnitude, whether physical or figurative, highlighting the immense nature of the noun it modifies.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word τηλικοῦτος (tēlikoûtos) appears four times in the New Testament, each instance underscoring a significant degree of magnitude:
* **[[Hebrews 2:3]]**: "how shall we escape if we neglect *so great* a salvation?" Here, τηλικαύτης (tēlikautēs, feminine genitive singular of τηλικοῦτος) modifies "salvation" (σωτηρίας). The context emphasizes the unparalleled and immense nature of the salvation offered through Christ, contrasting its divine origin and magnitude with the grave peril of neglecting it. The greatness of the salvation highlights the severity of the consequence for indifference.
* **[[Hebrews 10:35]]**: "Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has *great* reward." In this verse, τηλικαύτην (tēlikautēn, feminine accusative singular) modifies "reward" (μισθαποδοσίαν). The author encourages believers to persevere in their faith by reminding them of the substantial and valuable nature of the recompense awaiting them. The "great reward" serves as a powerful incentive for steadfastness amidst suffering.
* **[[James 3:4]]**: "Look at the ships also: though they are *so large* and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs." Here, τηλικαύτας (tēlikautas, feminine accusative plural) describes "ships" (ναῦς). This is a vivid illustration of physical magnitude. James uses the image of vast ships controlled by a tiny rudder to demonstrate the disproportionate power of small things, specifically drawing a parallel to the tongue's immense capacity for good or evil despite its small size.
* **[[Revelation 18:21]]**: "Then a mighty angel took up a stone like a *great* millstone and threw it into the sea, saying, 'So will Babylon the great city be thrown down with violence, and will be found no more.'" In this apocalyptic vision, τηλικοῦτον (tēlikoûton, masculine accusative singular) modifies "millstone" (μύλον). The "great millstone" symbolizes the immense weight and irreversible nature of God's judgment upon "Babylon the great." The magnitude of the millstone underscores the absolute and final destruction awaiting the ungodly city.
### Related Words & Concepts
The etymological roots of τηλικοῦτος (tēlikoûtos) provide immediate connections to related concepts. Its component ἡλίκος (hēlikos, `{{G2245}}`) directly relates to questions of "how great" or "how large," while οὗτος (houtos, `{{G3778}}`) provides the demonstrative "this," grounding the "greatness" in a specific referent.
Other Greek words conveying magnitude or greatness include:
* μέγας (megas, `{{G3173}}`): "great," "large," "important." While similar in meaning, τηλικοῦτος often carries a stronger emphasis on "so great" or "such a great extent," highlighting an impressive or overwhelming degree.
* πολύς (polys, `{{G4183}}`): "much," "many," "great." This word often refers to quantity or abundance, whereas τηλικοῦτος focuses more on qualitative or impressive magnitude.
The concepts associated with τηλικοῦτος (tēlikoûtos) include:
* **Magnitude and Scale:** Emphasizing the immense size, importance, or impact of something.
* **Significance:** Highlighting the profound importance or consequence of a matter.
* **Divine Grandeur:** Often used in contexts that underscore the vastness of God's actions or attributes.
* **Disproportionate Impact:** As seen in James, where a small element can wield immense power over something "so great."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of τηλικοῦτος (tēlikoûtos) lies in its consistent use to underscore the immense and often awe-inspiring scale of divine realities and human responsibilities.
In [[Hebrews 2:3]], the "so great a salvation" speaks to the unparalleled grace and power of God's redemptive work. It is not a minor deliverance but a monumental act of divine love and power, demanding a proportional response of faith and obedience. To neglect such a salvation is to dismiss a gift of infinite value, incurring severe divine displeasure. This highlights the gravity of humanity's spiritual state and the magnificent provision of God.
In [[Hebrews 10:35]], the "great reward" for perseverance reinforces the faithfulness of God to His promises. It assures believers that their enduring faith and suffering are not in vain but will be met with a recompense of immense value, encouraging steadfastness and hope in the face of trials. This underscores God's justice and generosity towards His faithful.
In [[James 3:4]], while illustrating a general principle, the "so large" ships serve as a powerful metaphor for the disproportionate influence of seemingly small things. Theologically, this applies to the tongue, revealing its immense capacity for good or evil. It emphasizes human moral responsibility, particularly in the realm of speech, and the profound impact of even seemingly minor actions.
Finally, in [[Revelation 18:21]], the "great millstone" symbolizes the absolute and irreversible nature of God's judgment upon the wicked city of Babylon. The magnitude of the millstone, and thus the fall, communicates the certainty, totality, and overwhelming power of divine wrath against sin and rebellion. This serves as a solemn warning and a declaration of God's ultimate sovereignty and justice.
Across its occurrences, τηλικοῦτος (tēlikoûtos) consistently points to realities of immense proportion—whether the vastness of God's grace, the certainty of His rewards and judgments, or the significant impact of human choices. It evokes a sense of awe, warning, and profound appreciation for the scale of spiritual truths.
### Summary
The Greek word τηλικοῦτος (tēlikoûtos, `{{G5082}}`) signifies "so great," "so vast," or "so mighty," emphasizing an impressive or overwhelming magnitude. Its four occurrences in the New Testament consistently highlight this sense of immense scale. In [[Hebrews 2:3]], it underscores the unparalleled nature of "so great a salvation" from God, demanding a serious response. In [[Hebrews 10:35]], it describes the "great reward" awaiting faithful perseverance, encouraging steadfastness. In [[James 3:4]], it illustrates the physical "so large" size of ships to demonstrate the disproportionate power of small things like the tongue. Finally, in [[Revelation 18:21]], it depicts a "great millstone" symbolizing the absolute and irreversible nature of God's judgment. Theologically, τηλικοῦτος (tēlikoûtos) serves to impress upon the reader the profound significance and immense scale of divine actions, such as salvation, reward, and judgment, as well as the weighty implications of human choices and responsibilities. It compels reflection on the gravity and grandeur of spiritual realities.
TRV