Lexical Summary metriós: Moderately, reasonably Original Word: μετρίως Strong's Exhaustive Concordance a little. Adverb from a derivative of metron; moderately, i.e. Slightly -- a little. see GREEK metron NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originadverb from metrios (moderate) Definition moderately NASB Translation greatly* (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3357: μετρίωςμετρίως (μέτριος), adverb (from Herodotus down); a. in due measure. b. moderately: οὐ μετρίως (A. V. not a little), exceedingly (Plutarch, Flam. 9, et al.), Acts 20:12. μετρίως conveys the idea of something being “to a moderate degree” or “within bounds.” In Acts 20:12 it is preceded by the negation οὐ, forming a litotes—“not moderately”—which in English becomes “greatly” or “exceedingly.” The Holy Spirit thus turns a term of restraint into a superlative by grammatical contrast. Biblical Occurrence Acts 20:12 records the sole New Testament use: “And they took the boy home alive and were greatly comforted.” (Berean Standard Bible). Luke uses μετρίως to describe the overflowing relief of the believers in Troas after Paul revived Eutychus. Literary Function: Litotes for Emphasis Luke employs οὐ μετρίως to intensify emotion without resorting to exaggerated language. The same figure appears elsewhere in Scripture (for example, Acts 12:18; Philippians 2:27, though with different vocabulary), underscoring Luke’s stylistic consistency and the inspired writers’ shared rhetorical toolbox. Historical Setting in Acts 20 Paul is on his way to Jerusalem during his third missionary journey. In an upper room crowded for night worship, Eutychus falls from a third-story window and is pronounced dead. Paul embraces the youth, declares his life restored, and resumes teaching until dawn. The congregation’s “not-moderate” comfort reflects: 1. Relief at Eutychus’s restored life. Theological Reflection 1. Power over Death: μετρίως sits in a narrative that previews Christ’s ultimate victory, reinforcing the biblical testimony that death is an enemy already subdued in Christ (Hebrews 2:14). Pastoral and Ministry Application • Expectant Faith: Congregations today may trust that God still brings “beyond-measure” comfort—sometimes through deliverance, always through His presence. Connections with Biblical Themes – Comfort that exceeds measure: Isaiah 40:1; John 14:16–18; Revelation 7:17. – Resurrection life in the present age: Luke 7:11–17; John 11:25–26; Acts 9:40–41. – Joy in community: Acts 8:8; Acts 15:3; Philippians 4:4. In sum, μετρίως, though rare, underscores a pervasive biblical truth: when the risen Christ intervenes, His people experience consolation that defies ordinary limits. Englishman's Concordance Acts 20:12 AdvGRK: παρεκλήθησαν οὐ μετρίως KJV: were not a little comforted. INT: were comforted not a little |
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