λίαν (lian)
lian
greatly
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb lian means "greatly" or "exceedingly," serving as a simple but powerful intensifier in the New Testament. It appears twelve times, primarily within the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, to amplify the degree of an action or state. Rather than introducing complex theological concepts, it functions as a linguistic tool to emphasize magnitude, whether describing a crowd’s reaction or the intensity of a situation.
In its usage, lian often translates the Hebrew adverb me’od found in the Septuagint, carrying a sense of "very" or "beyond measure." For instance, it highlights the extreme nature of Herod’s action in Matthew 2:16 or the profound amazement of Jesus’ disciples in Mark 6:51. The word does not stand alone as a primary descriptor but modifies other verbs and adjectives to ensure the reader grasps the full weight of the event being described.
Its etymology is listed as uncertain, suggesting it was a common colloquial intensifier in Koine Greek rather than a term with deep philosophical roots. Translators typically render it simply as "greatly" or "very," allowing the surrounding context to provide the specific flavor of intensity. This straightforward usage ensures that the emphasis remains on the event itself—such as the widespread fame of Jesus’ ministry or the depth of sorrow in Jerusalem—without distracting with ornate language.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word lian is a simple intensifier meaning "greatly" or "exceedingly." It does not carry complex theological weight on its own but serves to amplify the emotional or physical reality of a moment. When you read this word in Scripture, it signals that something is happening at a high degree—whether it is fear, joy, amazement, or opposition.
Consider how Jesus’ disciples reacted in Mark 6:51 after He calmed the storm. They were lian amazed. This word captures their sudden shift from panic to awe. It reminds us that encounters with God often leave us with more than just information; they leave us with a profound sense of wonder that words struggle to contain.
In your own life, you may find yourself experiencing moments of great sorrow or great joy. The Bible uses this word to validate those intensities. It shows that our reactions—whether trembling before God’s power or rejoicing in truth—are part of how we engage with reality. Let these moments draw you closer to the One who holds all things together.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- exceedingly6×
- very1×
- still much1×
- intensely,1×
- extremely,1×
- exceedingly;1×
- exceedingly.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- λίαν8×
- λίαν,2×
- λίαν·1×
- λίαν.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 6:51
He got into the boat with them; and the wind ceased, and they were very amazed among themselves, and marveled;
This verse uses lian to describe the disciples' profound amazement after Jesus calmed the storm, highlighting their awe at His authority over nature.
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II John 1:4
I rejoice greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, even as we have been commanded by the Father.
Here, John expresses great joy because he found believers walking in truth, showing how this intensifier amplifies spiritual satisfaction.
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Matthew 27:14
He gave him no answer, not even one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.
The governor marveled greatly at Jesus' silence during trial, using lian to emphasize the unusual and striking nature of His response.
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Luke 23:8
Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad, for he had wanted to see him for a long time, because he had heard many things about him. He hoped to see some miracle done by him.
Herod was exceedingly glad to see Jesus, illustrating how this word can describe intense human curiosity or desire for spectacle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does lian mean in the New Testament?
How is lian different from other Greek intensifiers?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (12 verses across 6 books)
Matthew 4 verses
Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked by the wise men, was exceedingly angry, and sent out and killed all the male…
Matthew 4:8Again, the devil took him to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
Matthew 8:28When he came to the other side, into the country of the Gergesenes, two people possessed by demons met him there,…
Matthew 27:14He gave him no answer, not even one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.