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.
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.
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.
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.
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