Lexical Summary lian: Very, exceedingly, greatly Original Word: λίαν Strong's Exhaustive Concordance exceeding, greatly Of uncertain affinity; much (adverbially) -- exceeding, great(-ly), sore, very (+ chiefest). HELPS Word-studies 3029 lían (an emphatic adverb) – very, exceedingly. 3029 (lían) intensifies (raises) a thought, taking it from much ("a high extent") to "very much" ("a great extent"), i.e. utterly (strongly, "to the max"). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition very, exceedingly NASB Translation exceedingly (1), extremely (1), quite (1), still (1), utterly* (1), very (6), vigorously (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3029: λίανλίαν (in Homer and Ionic λίην) (for λιλαν, λαῷ to desire: cf. Curtius, § 532), adverb, greatly, exceedingly: Matthew 2:16; Matthew 4:8; Matthew 8:28; Matthew 27:14; Mark 1:35; Mark 9:3; Mark 16:2; Luke 23:8; 2 Timothy 4:15; 2 John 1:4; 3 John 1:3; (2 Macc. 11:1; 4 Macc. 8:16; Tobit 9:4, etc.; for מְאֹד, Genesis 1:31; Genesis 4:5; 1 Samuel 11:15); λίαν ἐκ περισσοῦ, exceedingly beyond measure, Mark 6:51 (WH omits; Tr brackets ἐκπερισσοῦ). See ὑπερλίαν. Topical Lexicon Scope and Function The adverb λίαν enlarges the force of a statement, pushing it past the ordinary into the realm of the exceptional. Whether the context is danger, wonder, joy, or opposition, the word flags a moment that demands special attention from the reader and communicates that the speaker’s experience or reaction is beyond what is common. Occurrences in Salvation History The twelve New Testament uses form a narrative arc that stretches from Christ’s infancy to the close of the apostolic era: • Matthew 2:16 – Herod is “very enraged,” marking the murderous extremity of the king’s hostility to the newborn Messiah. Stress on Spiritual Conflict and Opposition λίαν marks the sharpest edges of hostility. Herod’s fury (Matthew 2:16) and Alexander’s resistance (2 Timothy 4:15) illustrate that the gospel invariably provokes extreme reactions. The adverb thus alerts believers to expect intense enmity and to rely on God’s sovereignty amid persecution. Heightened Revelation of Christ’s Majesty The devil’s “very high mountain” (Matthew 4:8) contrasts with the “exceedingly white” garments on the holy mount (Mark 9:3). One scene magnifies temptation; the other magnifies glory. Both uses highlight the incomparable perfection of Jesus, who rejects Satan’s offer and displays divine splendor before chosen witnesses. Discipleship and Prayer Mark 1:35 shows Jesus rising “very early” to pray. The intensifier underscores that, for the Son of God incarnate, communion with the Father took priority over rest. Followers of Christ find here a model for disciplined devotion. Reactions to Jesus’ Words and Works Pilate’s great amazement (Matthew 27:14), the disciples’ utter astonishment (Mark 6:51), and Herod’s delighted curiosity (Luke 23:8) demonstrate that Christ’s presence evokes extreme responses. λίαν signals moments when superficial neutrality becomes impossible; observers must choose rejection or faith. Witness to the Resurrection “Very early on the first day of the week” (Mark 16:2) situates the resurrection at the dawn of new creation. The adverb draws attention to the eager devotion of the women and the decisive break between darkness and light, death and life. Pastoral Joy and Warning John’s double use (2 John 1:4; 3 John 1:3) shows that nothing gladdens a shepherd’s heart more “exceedingly” than seeing believers “walking in the truth.” The same intensifier that describes demonic violence and murderous rage also describes holy joy, teaching that spiritual life, whether for good or ill, is never lukewarm. Application for Contemporary Ministry 1. Expect extremes. Gospel ministry encounters intense opposition and intense fruitfulness. Historical and Linguistic Notes In wider Koine usage λίαν commonly heightens adjectives or verbs. The New Testament writers chose it sparingly—only twelve times—so each instance stands out. Its distribution clusters in narrative sections that highlight pivotal events, then reappears in late Pauline and Johannine letters, showing that the early Church retained the term to express both pastoral intensity and doctrinal clarity. Summary λίαν serves as the Spirit’s highlighter, drawing the reader’s eye to the extraordinary. Whether revealing the depths of human hostility, the heights of Christ’s glory, or the breadth of apostolic joy, the word consistently magnifies the great works of God and calls believers to wholehearted response. Forms and Transliterations λιαν λίαν lian líanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 2:16 AdvGRK: μάγων ἐθυμώθη λίαν καὶ ἀποστείλας NAS: by the magi, he became very enraged, KJV: the wise men, was exceeding wroth, INT: magi was enraged greatly and having sent forth Matthew 4:8 Adv Matthew 8:28 Adv Matthew 27:14 Adv Mark 1:35 Adv Mark 6:51 Adv Mark 9:3 Adv Mark 16:2 Adv Luke 23:8 Adv 2 Timothy 4:15 Adv 2 John 1:4 Adv 3 John 1:3 Adv |
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