Refiner Word Study megas (G3173)
G3173  ·  Greek  ·  Strong's Concordance
μέγας
megas
183 occurrences in Scripture Greek

"great, large in size, Mt. 27:60; Mk. 4:32; great, much, numerous, Mk. 5:11; Heb. 11:26; great, grown up, adult, Heb. 11:24; great, vehement, intense, Mt. 2:10; 28:8; great, sumptuous, Lk. 5:29; great, important, weighty, of high importance, 1 Cor. 9:11; 13:13; great, splendid, ma..."

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Definition and meaning

What does megas mean in Greek?

183
Occurrences in Scripture
G3173
Strong's number
Greek
Original language

great, large in size, Mt. 27:60; Mk. 4:32; great, much, numerous, Mk. 5:11; Heb. 11:26; great, grown up, adult, Heb. 11:24; great, vehement, intense, Mt. 2:10; 28:8; great, sumptuous, Lk. 5:29; great, important, weighty, of high importance, 1 Cor. 9:11; 13:13; great, splendid, magnificent, Rev. 15:3; extraordinary, wonderful, 2 Cor. 11:15; great, solemn, Jn. 7:37; 19:31; great in rank, noble, Rev. 11:18; 13:16; great in dignity, distinguished, eminent, illustrious, powerful, Mt. 5:19; 18:1, 4; great, arrogant, boastful, Rev. 13:5

In the original Greek the word is written: μέγας

Historical context

What was happening when this word was written?

Roman-Occupied Judea (c. 4 BC-AD 30)

Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.

The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.

Scripture references

Top 10 Bible verses with megas

These are the most notable occurrences of megas (G3173) across the King James Bible.

Matthew 2:10

When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

Matthew 4:16

The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.

Matthew 5:19

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 5:35

Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.

Matthew 7:27

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Matthew 8:24

And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.

Matthew 8:26

And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm.

Matthew 15:28

Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith: be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour.

Matthew 20:25

But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.

Matthew 20:26

But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;

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Common questions

Frequently asked questions about megas

What does megas mean in Greek?

Strong's G3173 (megas) is a Greek word that means: great, large in size, Mt. 27:60; Mk. 4:32; great, much, numerous, Mk. 5:11; Heb. 11:26; great, grown up, adult, Heb. 11:24; great, vehement, intense, Mt. 2:10; 28:8; great, sumptuous, Lk. 5:29; great,... It appears 183 times in the King James Bible.

How many times does megas appear in the Bible?

The word megas (G3173) appears 183 times in the original Greek text.

What is Strong's number G3173?

Strong's G3173 is megas, a Greek word defined as: great, large in size, Mt. 27:60; Mk. 4:32; great, much, numerous, Mk. 5:11; Heb. 11:26; great, grown up, adult, Heb. 11:24; great, vehement, intense, . James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.

Is megas in the Old Testament or New Testament?

megas is a Greek word found in the New Testament.