3176. megistos

Lexical Summary

megistos: Greatest, very great, most important

Original Word: μέγιστος
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: megistos
Pronunciation: meg'-is-tos
Phonetic Spelling: (meg'-is-tos)
KJV: exceeding great
NASB: magnificent
Word Origin: [superlative of G3173 (μέγας - great)]

1. greatest or very great

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

greatest

Superlative of megas; greatest or very great -- exceeding great.

see GREEK megas

HELPS Word-studies

3176 mégistos – the superlative ("-est form") of 3173 (mégas) meaning (the) "very greatest" (ultimate).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
superl. of megas
Definition
greatest
NASB Translation
magnificent (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 3176: μέγιστος

μέγιστος, see μέγας, at the beginning

Topical Lexicon

Overview

μέγιστος conveys the thought of what is “supremely great,” “greatest of all,” or “most magnificent.” Although the specific form is not attested in the canonical Greek New Testament, the idea of the superlative “greatest” saturates the biblical revelation and informs the way God is described, the character of His promises, and the scope of His saving work in Christ.

Septuagint and Second-Temple Usage

1. Titles of God – The Greek translators of the Old Testament often reached for μέγιστος to render Hebrew expressions such as “Most High” (for example, Deuteronomy 10:17; Psalm 47:2), underscoring the absolute supremacy of the LORD above all so-called gods.
2. Description of the king – In royal court narratives (e.g., Esther 6:3), the word elevates the monarch’s rank or reward, a literary move that magnifies God’s eventual exaltation above every earthly ruler.
3. Covenant language – In passages recounting God’s mighty acts (for instance, Deuteronomy 11:7), the superlative highlights the incomparable nature of His deeds, preparing the way for the New Covenant’s “better and enduring” realities (Hebrews 10:34).

Hellenistic Cultural Context

In classical and Koine Greek, μέγιστος could apply to deities, emperors, or philosophical ideals. Scripture’s adoption of the term asserts that whatever the nations considered “greatest,” the God of Abraham transcends. When Paul calls the gospel “the power of God for salvation” (Romans 1:16), he stands within this polemical tradition—contrasting the true “greatness” of God with the passing glory of human culture.

Theological Themes

1. Divine Supremacy – “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised” (Psalm 48:1). Every use of the superlative about God protects the exclusivity of His worship.
2. The Greatest Promises – Scripture climaxes in Christ, through whom believers receive “every spiritual blessing” (Ephesians 1:3). When Peter speaks of the Lord’s “very great and precious promises,” he is echoing the same superlative force expressed by μέγιστος in the Greek Old Testament.
3. Ultimate Salvation – The word directs attention forward: the greatest deliverance is still ahead, culminating in resurrection, new creation, and unbroken fellowship with God (Revelation 21:3-5).

Relation to Divine Attributes

• Omnipotence – The term underscores that God’s power knows no rival (Jeremiah 32:17).
• Holiness – By calling Him “the Most High,” Scripture asserts moral as well as ontological supremacy (Isaiah 57:15).
• Love – The “greatest” love is revealed at the cross (John 15:13), marrying divine greatness with sacrificial grace.

Implications for Christian Ministry

1. Worship – Congregational praise should consciously magnify God’s unparalleled greatness (Psalm 145:3), lifting eyes above temporal anxieties.
2. Preaching – Sermons that unfold the superlative character of God’s promises infuse believers with assurance: “He who calls you is faithful, and He will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
3. Discipleship – Framing obedience around the “greatest commandment” (Matthew 22:37-38) orients the church toward wholehearted devotion.
4. Mission – Evangelism proclaims the supremacy of Christ over every worldview (Colossians 1:18), inviting all peoples to surrender to the One who alone is “King of kings and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16).

Homiletical Suggestions

• Text: Psalm 95. Theme: “Worship the Greatest of All.” Outline: God’s greatest position (vv. 1-5); greatest salvation (v. 6); greatest invitation (vv. 7-11).
• Text: Hebrews 8. Theme: “The Greatest Covenant.” Outline: A greater Priest, sanctuary, and promises.
• Text: Revelation 21. Theme: “The Greatest Finale.” Outline: the greatest city, communion, and consolation.

Devotional Reflection

Contemplating μέγιστος leads the believer to rest in God’s matchless sufficiency. Every lesser “greatness” eventually disappoints, but “The LORD is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (Psalm 73:26).

Englishman's Concordance

μείζω — 2 Occ.
μείζων — 26 Occ.
μεῖζόν — 7 Occ.
μείζονα — 7 Occ.
μείζονας — 1 Occ.
μείζονες — 1 Occ.
μείζονος — 3 Occ.
μειζοτέραν — 1 Occ.
μέγεθος — 1 Occ.
μεγιστᾶνες — 2 Occ.
μεθερμηνεύεται — 1 Occ.
μεθερμηνευόμενον — 7 Occ.
μέθαι — 1 Occ.
μέθαις — 1 Occ.
μέθῃ — 1 Occ.
μετασταθῶ — 1 Occ.
μεταστήσας — 1 Occ.
μετέστησεν — 2 Occ.
μεθιστάναι — 1 Occ.
μεθοδείαν — 1 Occ.