Lexical Summary megalósuné: Majesty, greatness Original Word: μεγαλωσύνη Strong's Exhaustive Concordance majesty. From megas; greatness, i.e. (figuratively) divinity (often God himself) -- majesty. see GREEK megas NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom megas Definition greatness, majesty NASB Translation Majesty (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3172: μεγαλωσύνημεγαλωσύνη, μεγαλωσύνης, ἡ, only in Biblical and ecclesiastical writings (cf. Winers Grammar, 26, 95 (90); Buttmann, 73, and see ἀγαθωσύνη) (μέγας), the Sept. for גֹּדֶל and גְּדוּלָה; majesty: of the majesty of God, Hebrews 1:3; Hebrews 8:1; Jude 1:25 (so 2 Samuel 7:23; Psalm 144:3, 6 Topical Lexicon Divine Majesty in Scripture The term μεγαλοσύνη directs attention to God’s vast and incomparable greatness. Throughout Scripture, divine majesty is inseparable from God’s glory, holiness, sovereignty, and power, presenting Him as exalted above creation and worthy of worship (Psalm 145:3; Isaiah 6:1–4). New Testament Usage 1. Jude 25 highlights the word in a four-fold doxology: “to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power, and authority….” Here μεγαλοσύνη crowns a catalogue of attributes that secure the believer’s confidence in God’s preserving grace. Old Testament Background In the Septuagint, μεγαλωσύνη frequently renders Hebrew terms for divine greatness (e.g., גְּדֻלָּה in Deuteronomy 11:2; Psalm 79:11, 145:3). These contexts celebrate Yahweh’s mighty acts in creation and redemption, preparing readers for the New Testament revelation of that same majesty embodied and shared by the Son. Christological Significance • Hebrews unites Father and Son in a common sphere of μεγαλωσύνη, reinforcing the full deity of Christ. Liturgical and Doxological Applications • Early Christian worship adopted Jude’s doxology as a model, pairing μεγαλωσύνη with “glory,” “power,” and “authority.” Pastoral and Practical Implications • Assurance: Christ’s seat at the right hand of Majesty guarantees the efficacy of intercession (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25). Historical Theology and Confessional Witness Patristic writers (e.g., Athanasius, Cyril of Alexandria) cited Hebrews 1:3 to defend the Son’s consubstantiality with the Father. Post-Reformation confessions likewise ground Christ’s mediatorial office in His session “at the right hand of the majesty on high” (Heidelberg Catechism Q.31; Westminster Confession 8.4). Relationship to Other Divine Attributes Majesty encompasses and amplifies God’s glory (δόξα), power (κράτος), and authority (ἐξουσία). While each attribute may be considered separately, μεγαλωσύνη emphasizes the totality of God’s greatness, inviting the believer to behold Him in unified perfection. Summary Μεγαλωσύνη occurs only three times in the Greek New Testament, yet it conveys a sweeping vision of God’s transcendent greatness, concentrated in the Father’s throne and shared by the exalted Son. This majesty anchors Christian worship, doctrine, and daily life, lifting eyes from earthly circumstances to the sovereign Lord whose greatness is unsearchable and whose salvation is complete. Forms and Transliterations μεγαλωσυνη μεγαλωσύνη μεγαλωσύνην μεγαλωσυνης μεγαλωσύνης megalosune megalōsunē megalosunes megalōsunēs megalosyne megalosýne megalōsynē megalōsýnē megalosynes megalosýnes megalōsynēs megalōsýnēsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Hebrews 1:3 N-GFSGRK: δεξιᾷ τῆς μεγαλωσύνης ἐν ὑψηλοῖς NAS: at the right hand of the Majesty on high, KJV: the right hand of the Majesty on INT: [the] right hand of the Majesty on high Hebrews 8:1 N-GFS Jude 1:25 N-NFS Strong's Greek 3172 |
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