μεγάλως (megalōs)
megalōs
greatly
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb megalōs translates to "greatly" or "very much," serving as an intensifier for actions and states. It derives from the adjective megas, meaning "large" or "great," and functions to amplify the degree of what is being described. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Philippians 4:10.
In this single occurrence, Paul uses the word to describe his joy at the renewal of concern for him by the Philippian believers. He states that they had been concerned but lacked opportunity, and now they have it again, adding that he was "greatly" glad. This usage highlights a profound emotional response rather than a physical size.
The term carries no specific theological weight beyond its grammatical function as an intensifier. It simply marks the intensity of the feeling or action involved. Translators consistently render it as "greatly," "very much," or "exceedingly" to convey this heightened degree in English.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word megalōs appears just once in the New Testament, found in Philippians 4:10. Paul uses it to describe his joy at the renewal of concern for him by the Philippian believers. He states that they had been concerned but lacked opportunity, and now they have it again, adding that he was "greatly" glad.
This single usage highlights a profound emotional response rather than a physical size. The term carries no specific theological weight beyond its grammatical function as an intensifier. It simply marks the intensity of the feeling or action involved. Translators consistently render it as "greatly," "very much," or "exceedingly" to convey this heightened degree in English.
When you read this passage, consider how God uses ordinary relationships to deepen your faith. The joy Paul feels is not abstract but rooted in the tangible care of others. This reminds us that our connections with fellow believers are meaningful to God and can bring genuine comfort during difficult seasons.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- greatly1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μεγάλως1×
Key Verses
-
Philippians 4:10
But I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your thought for me; in which you did indeed take thought, but you lacked opportunity.
Paul uses megalōs here to intensify his joy, showing that the renewed care from the Philippians brought him deep emotional relief and gladness in the Lord.