μετρίως (metriōs)
metriōs
moderately
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb metriōs conveys the idea of acting in a measured or moderate way. Derived from roots related to measure and limit, it describes behavior that stays within proper bounds rather than exceeding them. In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Acts 20:12, where it modifies the reaction of the church at Troas.
Its usage here is particularly interesting because it functions as a litotes, or understatement. The text states that they were not "moderately" comforted but rather "exceedingly." This double negative structure emphasizes the depth of their relief and joy. By negating moderation, the author highlights that the comfort received was intense and overwhelming, far surpassing ordinary levels of consolation.
This single occurrence shows how Greek writers used precise adverbs to nuance emotional responses. The word itself suggests restraint, but its negation in this context serves to amplify the magnitude of the event. It reminds readers that biblical narratives often rely on such linguistic subtleties to convey the full weight of human experience.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word μετρὸως (metriōs) appears only once in the New Testament, tucked into a moment of profound relief in Acts 20:12. It literally means "moderately" or "in a measured way." Yet the text uses it in a clever understatement to describe how the church at Troas reacted to Eutychus being raised from the dead. They were not merely moderately comforted; they were exceedingly so.
This linguistic choice reminds us that God’s comfort often exceeds our expectations. When we face loss or fear, the peace we receive from Christ is rarely just enough to get by. It is abundant and overwhelming. The Bible does not promise a measured amount of grace for extraordinary trials, but rather a fullness that restores our hearts completely.
Let this encourage you when you feel weary. You do not need to settle for small comforts. The God who raised Eutychus offers a joy that fills the deepest voids in your life, bringing peace that goes far beyond what we can measure or earn.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a little.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μετρίως.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 20:12
They brought the boy in alive, and were greatly comforted.
The adverb is used in a litotes to emphasize that the comfort received was far greater than mere moderation, highlighting the intensity of the church's joy.