μεγαλεῖος
megaleîos
G3167 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Majestic, grand, splendid—conveying the quality of being great or impressive in extent, dignity, or appearance; in some contexts, describing acts or works that are strikingly impressive or remarkable. Used literally of that which is physically or morally impressive, and figuratively of outstanding deeds or phenomena attributed to divine or extraordinary power.
Semantic Range
majestic, magnificent, great, splendid, impressive, remarkable, referring to impressive acts or characteristics; as a substantive: mighty deeds, marvelous works, conspicuous displays of grandeur
Root / Etymology
From the root μεγαλο- (great, large), itself from μέγας (great, mighty) with the adjectival ending -ειος, producing an adjective meaning 'having the quality of greatness' or 'pertaining to greatness.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
The adjective μεγαλεῖος is relatively rare in extant Greek literature, appearing primarily in later Hellenistic and Koine contexts. It occurs in the New Testament (notably Luke 1:49; Acts 2:11) to denote the extraordinary acts or mighty deeds attributed to God—translations often render the neuter plural (τὰ μεγαλεῖα) as 'mighty works,' 'great things,' or 'wonders,' but these English choices sometimes obscure the term’s broader reference to acts or manifestations marked by grandeur, splendor, or distinction. In the Septuagint, related forms describe the wondrous deeds or great acts of deity or rulers. The noun μεγαλεῖα (pl.) functions as a substantive, referring to manifestations of greatness, especially works that command recognition due to their impressiveness or majesty. This term stands in contrast to μεγαλοπρέπεια (grandeur, magnificence) which more emphatically denotes outward display and pomp. Standard English translations often flatten the nuance of μεγαλεῖος, conveying only 'wonderful works' or 'great things,' but in Koine usage, it retains connotations of splendor and recognizably impressive action or character, whether of God, individuals, or events.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from μέγας; magnificent, i.e. (neuter, plural as noun) a conspicuous favor, or (subjectively) perfection:--great things, wonderful works.
Root Family
μεγαλεῖος (megaleios) — great, splendid, majestic
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3167-01 |
μεγαλεῖα | megaleia | ADJ.S ACC N PL |
mighty works | majestic deeds | majestic deeds | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3167-01 |
Acts 2:11 | μεγαλεῖα | megaleia | ADJ.S ACC N PL |
mighty works | majestic deeds | majestic deeds |