Lexical Summary pleistos: Most, greatest, very many Original Word: πλεῖστος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance most, very great, much. Irregular superlative of polus; the largest number or very large -- very great, most. see GREEK polus HELPS Word-studies 4118 pleístos – the superlative ("-est") form of 4183 /polýs ("great in number") – literally, "greatest in quantity" (number). 4118 /pleístos ("very many," "very much") means very numerous (great in number). Example: Mt 11:20: "very many (4118 /pleístos) powerful acts" – "Literally, 'His very many mighty works' – if elative, as it is usually in the papyri (Moulton, Prolegomena, 79; Robertson, Grammar, 670)" (WP, 1, 90). [The Greek superlative is used here meaning "very many mighty works" (R, WP).] NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originsuperl. of polus, q.v. Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4118: πλεῖστοςπλεῖστος, πλείστῃ, πλεῖστον (superlative of πολύς), most: plural Matthew 11:20; (ὄχλος πλεῖστος, a very great multitude, Mark 4:1 T Tr WH); ὁ πλεῖστος ὄχλος, the most part of the multitude, Matthew 21:8 (Thucydides 7, 78; Plato, rep. 3, p. 397{d}; λαός, Homer, Iliad 16, 377); τό πλεῖστον, adverbially, at the most, 1 Corinthians 14:27. Topical Lexicon Linguistic Scope and Superlative Force Strong’s Greek 4118 functions as the superlative of “many/much,” conveying the idea of “most,” “utmost,” or “very great.” It intensifies quantity or magnitude, distinguishing what is merely numerous from what is pre-eminently abundant. Occurrences and Narrative Setting 1. Matthew 11:20 – “Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of His miracles had been performed, because they did not repent.” Gospel Emphasis on Public Reception of Jesus In Matthew 21:8 and Mark 4:1, the superlative highlights the swelling crowds that pressed to hear or honor the Lord. The evangelists use the word to underscore the public, unmistakable nature of Jesus’ ministry. Far from a hidden movement, His teaching and royal entry were witnessed by multitudes, fulfilling prophetic anticipation of a Messiah who would draw “peoples” to Himself (Isaiah 42:6-7). Matthew 11:20, by contrast, uses the superlative in a setting of judgment. The “most” miracles performed in Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum created the highest level of accountability. Their refusal to repent underlines a sobering principle: extraordinary revelation brings extraordinary responsibility (Luke 12:48). Pauline Guidance for Orderly Worship In 1 Corinthians 14:27, Paul restricts tongue-speaking to “at most three.” The superlative serves a pastoral boundary that safeguards clarity and edification. Inspired Scripture thus sets an upper limit to prevent spiritual enthusiasm from dissolving into confusion, reflecting the divine character of order (1 Corinthians 14:33). Theological Insights • Revelation and Responsibility – Where 4118 marks the greatest display of divine power (Matthew 11:20), it also exposes the gravest unbelief. Historical and Cultural Observations First-century Galilee and Judea were densely populated, especially during pilgrimage seasons. A “very great crowd” lining the road into Jerusalem (Matthew 21) indicates festival time, explaining both the scale and the messianic fervor. Likewise, seaside teaching in Mark 4 allowed sound to carry across water, making it a practical choice when “the greatest multitude” assembled. Paul’s cap of “at most three” in Corinth reflects synagogue patterns, where multiple readers might share Scripture but within limits. Implications for Contemporary Ministry • Preachers and teachers should recognize that large audiences amplify opportunity and accountability alike. Related Biblical Motifs • “Many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14) – contrasts quantity with response. In every occurrence, Strong’s 4118 underscores scale—of miracles, crowds, or regulatory limits—reminding readers that God’s works and instructions are both abundant and purposeful. Forms and Transliterations πλεισται πλεῖσται πλειστον πλεῖστον πλειστος πλεῖστος pleistai pleîstai pleiston pleîston pleistos pleîstosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 11:20 Adj-NFPGRK: ἐγένοντο αἱ πλεῖσται δυνάμεις αὐτοῦ KJV: wherein most of his INT: had taken place the most miracles of him Matthew 21:8 Adj-NMS Mark 4:1 Adj-NMS 1 Corinthians 14:27 Adj-ANS Strong's Greek 4118 |
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