Lexical Summary hélikos: How great, how large, how much Original Word: ἡλίκος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance how great. From helix (a comrade, i.e. One of the same age); as big as, i.e. (interjectively) how much -- how (what) great. HELPS Word-studies 2245 hēlíkos (from hēli NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originakin to root of hélikia Definition how great, how small NASB Translation how great (2), such a small (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2245: ἡλίκοςἡλίκος, ἡλικη, ἡλίκον (ἧλιξ, see ἡλικία), properly, as old as, as tall as; universally, (Latinquantus): how great, Colossians 2:1; James 3:5 (cf. Buttmann, 253 (217)); how small (Lucian, Hermot. 5), ἡλίκον πῦρ, James 3:5 L T Tr WH (Buttmann, the passage cited). Topical Lexicon Semantic RangeἩλίκος expresses the measurable extent of a thing—its size, magnitude, reach or number. The word can denote either largeness or smallness, depending on the context, but always with an exclamatory force that draws the reader’s attention to scale. New Testament Usage 1. Colossians 2:1 – Paul discloses “how great a struggle” he bears for believers he has never met. The term magnifies both the depth of his pastoral burden and the unseen spiritual labor that undergirds his teaching ministry. Theological Emphases • Stewardship of Influence Ἡλίκος reminds readers that seemingly insignificant agents can produce vast consequences. James applies this to speech; Paul applies it to intercessory care. The principle extends to any area where obedience or sin, though hidden or minor in appearance, multiplies impact within the body of Christ. • Pastoral Labor as Spiritual Warfare Paul’s “struggle” (ἀγῶνα) is qualified by ἡλίκος to reveal the scale of unseen effort required for doctrinal stability and maturity. Ministry is not evaluated merely by visible results but by the magnitude of self-giving exertion before God. • Integrity of Speech James employs ἡλίκος to warn that words, though small in form, shape destinies. The term therefore stands at the heart of a biblical ethic that marries internal heart-condition to external community flourishing. Historical and Literary Background Classical and Hellenistic writers used ἡλίκος to draw attention to size for rhetorical effect. The New Testament authors harness the same device but recast it for ethical exhortation and pastoral encouragement, underscoring Scripture’s capacity to adopt common linguistic tools while imparting divine truth. Intertextual Connections Old Testament wisdom regularly pairs small beginnings with great ends (Proverbs 16:27; Ecclesiastes 10:1; Zechariah 4:10). James, echoing these motifs, situates ἡλίκος within a tradition that values vigilance over “little” matters. Paul’s use parallels Old Testament portraits of leaders bearing hidden burdens for the covenant community (Numbers 11:11-15; 2 Samuel 24:17). Implications for Christian Living • Measure words before speaking; their effect may be ἡλίκος—far greater than anticipated. Homiletical Trajectories A sermon or lesson built around ἡλίκος can unite James’s warning and Paul’s example: “The same adjective that exposes destructive speech magnifies devoted service.” Preachers may contrast “a small spark” with “a great struggle,” urging believers to bridle their tongues and enlarge their prayerful labor. Summary Ἡλίκος serves as a linguistic lever that pries open the disparity between appearance and effect. Whether cautioning against careless words or commending tireless ministry, the term challenges every disciple to view the scale of life through the lens of divine multiplication, where small acts carry eternal weight. Forms and Transliterations ηλικην ηλίκην ἡλίκην ηλικον ηλίκον ἡλίκον eliken ēlikēn elikon ēlikon heliken helíken hēlikēn hēlíkēn helikon helíkon hēlikon hēlíkonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Colossians 2:1 Adj-AMSGRK: ὑμᾶς εἰδέναι ἡλίκον ἀγῶνα ἔχω NAS: you to know how great a struggle KJV: knew what great conflict INT: you to know how great conflict I have James 3:5 Adj-NNS James 3:5 Adj-AFS Strong's Greek 2245 |
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