μέγας (megas)
megas
great
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 232 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective megas denotes something large in size, intensity, or importance. In the New Testament it appears 232 times, often describing physical scale like the massive stone at Jesus’ tomb (Matthew 2:60) or the great storm that threatened the disciples on the sea (John 6:18). It also measures abstract weight, such as the profound love a person may have for others (John 15:13) or the severe tribulation described in Revelation (Matthew 24:21).
Its usage extends to rank and status. The sources note that while pagan inscriptions frequently applied this title to false deities like Artemis (Acts 19:27), it is used for the true God only once in Titus 2:13, where Jesus is called "our great God." This contrast highlights how the word carries significant theological weight when applied to divine authority.
The term covers a wide range of meanings from bodily stature to emotional intensity. Translators render it variously as big, mighty, or important depending on context. Its flexibility allows it to describe both the physical dimensions of creation and the moral magnitude of God’s character.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we encounter the word megas, it often points to things that overwhelm our senses—a violent storm on the sea or a light breaking through deep darkness. Yet Jesus uses this same term to describe something far more enduring: the joy of the Kingdom and the depth of love that sacrifices everything for others. It reminds us that true greatness is not measured by size or status, but by humility and service.
In our daily lives, we might feel small against the weight of our problems. This word invites us to look beyond the immediate chaos. Whether it is the quiet faith of a mother seeking healing for her child or the profound love shown on the cross, megas highlights moments where God’s power meets human need. We are encouraged to trust that His strength is made perfect in our weakness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 232 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- great94×
- greater26×
- loud25×
- great,13×
- great.12×
- loud;6×
- large4×
- in a loud4×
- Greater4×
- greater than3×
- great;3×
- a great3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μεγάλη26×
- μεγάλῃ25×
- μείζων23×
- μέγας20×
- μεγάλην17×
- μέγα15×
- μεγάλης12×
- μέγαν10×
- μεγάλα8×
- μεγάλῃ·7×
- μείζονα6×
- μεγάλου6×
Key Verses
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Matthew 8:24
Behold, a violent storm came up on the sea, so much that the boat was covered with the waves; but he was asleep.
This verse uses the word to describe a physical storm so intense it threatened the disciples' lives, highlighting Jesus' authority over nature.
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Matthew 15:28
Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Be it done to you even as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that hour.
Jesus commends the Canaanite woman’s faith as 'great,' showing that persistent trust in God is valued highly regardless of background.
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Matthew 20:26
It shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.
Here, Jesus redefines greatness by linking it to service, contrasting worldly power with the humility required in His Kingdom.
-
Matthew 4:16
the people who sat in darkness saw a great light; to those who sat in the region and shadow of death, to them light has dawned.”
The 'great light' refers to the spiritual awakening brought by Jesus, offering hope to those living in despair and darkness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does megas mean in the New Testament?
How is greatness defined differently in the Bible?
Why is this word significant for understanding faith?
Every Occurrence (232 verses across 19 books)
Matthew 29 verses
When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.
Matthew 4:16the people who sat in darkness saw a great light; to those who sat in the region and shadow of death, to them light has…
Matthew 5:19Therefore, whoever shall break one of these least commandments and teach others to do so, shall be called least in the…
Matthew 5:35nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.
Matthew 7:27The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell—and its fall was great.”
Matthew 8:24Behold, a violent storm came up on the sea, so much that the boat was covered with the waves; but he was asleep.
Matthew 8:26He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the wind and the sea, and there…
Matthew 11:11Most certainly I tell you, among those who are born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than John the…
Matthew 12:6But I tell you that one greater than the temple is here.
Matthew 13:32which indeed is smaller than all seeds. But when it is grown, it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that…
Matthew 15:28Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Be it done to you even as you desire.” And her daughter was…
Matthew 18:1In that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?”
Matthew 18:4Whoever therefore humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew 20:25But Jesus summoned them, and said, “You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them, and their great ones…
Matthew 20:26It shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.
Matthew 20:31The multitude rebuked them, telling them that they should be quiet, but they cried out even more, “Lord, have mercy on…
Matthew 22:36“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?”
Matthew 22:38This is the first and great commandment.
Matthew 23:11But he who is greatest among you will be your servant.
Matthew 23:17You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that sanctifies the gold?
Matthew 23:19You blind fools! For which is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifies the gift?
Matthew 24:21for then there will be great suffering, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever…
Matthew 24:24For false christs and false prophets will arise, and they will show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if…
Matthew 24:31He will send out his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together his chosen ones from the…
Matthew 27:46About the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lima sabachthani?” That is, “My God, my God, why…
Matthew 27:50Jesus cried again with a loud voice, and yielded up his spirit.
Matthew 27:60and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut out in the rock. Then he rolled a large stone against the door of the…
Matthew 28:2Behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from the sky and came and rolled away the…
Matthew 28:8They departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring his disciples word.