μεγαλειότης
megaleiótēs
G3168 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
State or quality of being great, magnificence, majesty—used to denote exalted splendor or greatness, often associated with divine or royal character. The term conveys the idea of something imposing or awe-inspiring, either in visible glory, power, or reputation. In specific contexts, can refer to the glorious manifestation of divinity, or to the powerful status of rulers.
Semantic Range
greatness, majesty, grandeur, imposing nobility, splendor, superbness; exalted character or appearance, overwhelming greatness (especially divine or royal), renowned status
Root / Etymology
From the adjective μεγαλεῖος ('great, splendid, magnificent'), itself derived from μέγας ('great', 'large') with the adjectival suffix -εῖος, plus the abstract noun ending -της, forming μεγαλειότης as 'the quality or state of being great or magnificent'.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, μεγαλειότης is not widely attested, but appears in later Greek (Hellenistic, Koine) to describe the majesty or grandeur of gods, monarchs, or exceptional persons/events. In the Septuagint, it often translates Hebrew terms indicating God’s exalted power or visible splendor (cf. Ps 145:3 LXX). In the New Testament (e.g., Luke 9:43, 2 Peter 1:16), it refers specifically to divine majesty, especially God's self-revelation or exalted greatness. The term 'majesty' in English captures much of the semantic range, but does not always express the concept of overwhelming, awe-inspiring splendor inherent in the Greek. Closely related to δόξα ('glory') and κράτος ('might'), but differs by emphasizing the quality or state of greatness rather than radiance (δόξα) or physical/moral power (κράτος). Early Christian usage employs μεγαλειότης for both God and Christ, highlighting their exalted, transcendent nature.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from μεγαλεῖος; superbness, i.e. glory or splendor:--magnificence, majesty, mighty power.
Root Family
μεγαλ- (megaleîos) — great, splendid, majestic
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G3167 | μεγαλεῖος | majestic deeds |
| G3171 | μεγάλως | to a great extent |
| G3172 | μεγαλωσύνη | majestic greatness |
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3168-02 |
μεγαλειότητος | megaleiotetos | N GEN F SG |
magnificence | of majesty | magnificence | 2 |
G3168-01 |
μεγαλειότητι | megaleioteti | N DAT F SG |
greatness | in majesty | majesty | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3168-01 |
Luke 9:43 | μεγαλειότητι | megaleioteti | N DAT F SG |
greatness | in majesty | majesty |
G3168-02 |
Acts 19:27 | μεγαλειότητος | megaleiotetos | N GEN F SG |
magnificence | of majesty | magnificence |
G3168-02 |
2 Peter 1:16 | μεγαλειότητος | megaleiotetos | N GEN F SG |
majesty | of majesty | of majesty |