from (so much; apparently from ὁ and ὅς) and οὗτος (including its variations); so vast as this, i.e. such (in quantity, amount, number of space):--as large, so great (long, many, much), these many.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **tosoûtos**, represented by `{{G5118}}`, serves as an adjective to describe something as **so vast as this**. Appearing **21 times** across **19 unique verses**, it emphasizes a great quantity, amount, number, or spatial dimension. The term is used to convey concepts such as being as large, so great, so long, or so many.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{G5118}}` is used to express a remarkable degree or scale. It can describe a vast quantity, such as the "so many" fish caught in a net that miraculously did not break [[John 21:11]], or the "so great" multitude that the disciples worried they could not feed [[Matthew 15:33]]. The word also applies to spans of time, as when Jesus asks Philip if he has been with him for "so long time" yet still does not know him [[John 14:9]]. Furthermore, it is used to measure abstract concepts, like the "so great faith" Jesus found in a centurion, which he had not seen even in Israel [[Matthew 8:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help establish the context of magnitude and comparison in which `{{G5118}}` is used:
* `{{G3745}}` **hósos** (as (much, great, long, etc.) as): This word is often used in direct correlation with `{{G5118}}` to establish a comparison of degree. For example, it is used to state that as much as Babylon has glorified herself, "so much" torment she will receive [[Revelation 18:7]].
* `{{G3793}}` **óchlos** (multitude): This term, meaning a throng or crowd, is often quantified by `{{G5118}}` to emphasize its immense size. The disciples questioned how they could possibly find enough bread to fill "so great a multitude" [[Matthew 15:33]].
* `{{G5550}}` **chrónos** (a space of time): This word for a period of time is described with `{{G5118}}` to stress its length, as when the author of Hebrews notes that David spoke of a day of hearing God's voice after "so long a time" [[Hebrews 4:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5118}}` is demonstrated in its application to spiritual realities and divine comparisons.
* **The Superiority of Christ:** The term is crucial for establishing Christ's preeminence. He is described as being made "so much" better than the angels [[Hebrews 1:4]] and, by "so much," has become the surety of a better testament [[Hebrews 7:22]].
* **The Magnitude of Faith:** Jesus uses the phrase "so great faith" to highlight a level of belief that surpassed all expectations, notably when he encountered it in a centurion outside of Israel [[Luke 7:9]].
* **The Motivation for Endurance:** The "so great a cloud of witnesses" is more than a large number; it is a powerful encouragement for believers to persevere in their race with patience, laying aside every weight and sin [[Hebrews 12:1]].
* **Principle of Proportionality:** The word underscores a divine principle of justice and consequence. The amount of torment and sorrow given to Babylon is directly proportional to "how much" she glorified herself [[Revelation 18:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5118}}` is a versatile and powerful adjective that goes beyond simple measurement. It is used to emphasize the extraordinary scale of both physical and spiritual matters, from a multitude of people to the greatness of faith. It serves to establish crucial theological comparisons, highlighting Christ's superiority and motivating believers by the sheer scale of the spiritual realities surrounding them.
TRV