Lexical Summary télikoutos: Such great, so great, so large Original Word: τηλικοῦτος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance so great, so mighty. Or feminine telikaute (tay-lik-ow'-tay) from a compound of ho with helikos and houtos; such as this, i.e. (in (figurative) magnitude) so vast -- so great, so mighty. see GREEK ho see GREEK helikos see GREEK houtos HELPS Word-studies 5082 tēlikoútos (a strengthened form of tēlikos, "so great") – vast (very great) – coming of age, reaching maximum size (potential). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom a comp. of ho, with hélikos and houtos, Definition such as this, of persons so old, of things so great NASB Translation so (1), so great (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5082: τηλικοῦτοςτηλικοῦτος, τηλικαυτη, τηλικοῦτο (from τηλίκος and οὗτος (but then (it is urged) it should have been τηλιχουτος; hence, better connected with αὐτός; others besides Cf. Alexander Buttmann (1873) Ausf. Spr. § 79 A. 4; Kühner, § 173, 6: Vanicek, p. 268; Liddell and Scott, under the word οὗτος, at the beginning)), in Attic writings from Aeschylus down; 1. of such an age; used of any age, of so great an age, so old; also so young. 2. of so great a size, in bulk: πλοῖα, James 3:4. 3. intensively, such and so great (Latintantus talisque): 2 Corinthians 1:10; Hebrews 2:3; Revelation 16:18. The adjective group translated “so great,” “such mighty,” or “of such magnitude” intensifies the quality or extent of a person, object, event, salvation, or peril. It expresses magnitude beyond ordinary comparison, directing the reader to contemplate the extraordinary nature of what is described. Occurrences in Scripture 1. James 3:4 – highlights “such great” ships steered by a tiny rudder, illustrating how a small tongue can guide the entire course of life. Thematic Emphasis Magnitude of Influence (James 3:4) A vast ship under the force of winds is still governed by a small rudder. The term magnifies the disproportion: a minimal organ (tongue) wields immense power. The passage calls believers to disciplined speech because what seems insignificant can redirect an entire community. Magnitude of Salvation (Hebrews 2:3) The adjective amplifies the grandeur and costliness of redemption accomplished through the Lord, proclaimed by apostles, and attested by God’s miracles. Neglecting it invites inescapable consequences. The verse forms a cornerstone for evangelistic urgency and personal perseverance. Magnitude of Deliverance (2 Corinthians 1:10) Paul recounts deliverance from peril “so deadly” that only divine intervention sufficed. The word heightens gratitude (past rescue), confidence (present help), and hope (future deliverance). It energizes intercessory prayer and corporate thanksgiving. Magnitude of Judgment (Revelation 16:18) The seventh bowl produces an earthquake of unprecedented scale. The adjective conveys the finality and universality of God’s wrath. It assures believers of ultimate justice while warning the impenitent of unavoidable accountability. Doctrinal and Pastoral Implications • Salvation’s greatness demands reverent attention, diligent proclamation, and wholehearted reception. Historical Reception Early church fathers (e.g., Chrysostom on Hebrews) used the phrase to underscore the incomparable excellence of Christ’s work. Reformers cited Hebrews 2:3 to defend the sufficiency of Scripture and the danger of sacramental formalism without faith. Revival preachers frequently expounded 2 Corinthians 1:10 to encourage testimonies of deliverance and to cultivate expectant faith. Ministry Applications Preaching – Employ the adjective’s occurrences to frame sermons on controlling speech, treasuring salvation, trusting divine deliverance, and awakening to judgment. Counseling – Remind believers facing crises that God delivers from “such deadly peril,” fostering resilience. Evangelism – Use Hebrews 2:3 to press hearers toward a decisive response to Christ. Worship – Incorporate Revelation 16 imagery to balance themes of mercy and majesty, prompting awe-filled praise. Summary Throughout the New Testament this adjective cluster functions as a verbal spotlight, drawing attention to realities whose scale surpasses ordinary experience—whether destructive potential, redeeming grace, rescuing power, or eschatological upheaval. Recognizing that magnitude invites both reverence and response, the word summons the church to disciplined living, fervent proclamation, steadfast hope, and holy fear. Englishman's Concordance 2 Corinthians 1:10 DPro-GMSGRK: ὃς ἐκ τηλικούτου θανάτου ἐρρύσατο NAS: delivered us from so great a [peril of] death, KJV: us from so great a death, and INT: who from so great a death delivered Hebrews 2:3 DPro-GFS James 3:4 DPro-NNP Revelation 16:18 DPro-NMS Strong's Greek 5082 |
    |