πηλίκος

how large, how great

Definition

The adjective πηλίκος (pēlikos) fundamentally means 'how large' or 'how great,' referring to magnitude, size, or degree. In its two New Testament occurrences, it is used in exclamatory or rhetorical questions to emphasize the impressive extent or significance of something. In Galatians 6:11, Paul uses it to draw attention to the large size of the letters he has written with his own hand, underscoring the personal importance of his message. In Hebrews 7:4, the author employs it to highlight the greatness of the patriarch Abraham, specifically in the context of giving a tenth of the spoils to Melchizedek, thereby magnifying Melchizedek's superior priesthood.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, both times in rhetorical questions to stress magnitude. In Galatians 6:11, Paul writes, 'See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand,' using πηλίκος to emphasize the physical size of his handwriting as a marker of authenticity and solemnity. In Hebrews 7:4, the author asks, 'See how great this man was...' referring to Melchizedek, using the word to underscore his greatness in comparison to Abraham and the Levitical priesthood. The pattern is its use in demonstrative exclamations to point out notable scale or importance.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek interrogative pronoun πηλίκος (pēlikos), which is formed from the root πῆ (pē, 'how?') and the suffix -λικος, indicating pertaining to age, size, or quality. It is related to other interrogatives like ποῖος (poios, 'of what kind?') and πόσος (posos, 'how much?'), sharing a family of words used to inquire about nature, quantity, or extent.

Semantic Range

While not a central theological term, πηλίκος serves a significant rhetorical function in highlighting key contrasts. In Galatians, it underscores the personal, authoritative nature of Paul's apostolic correction. In Hebrews, it magnifies the superiority of Christ's eternal priesthood (in the order of Melchizedek) over the old Levitical system by first establishing the greatness of Melchizedek himself. Understanding this word helps readers see where biblical authors are deliberately emphasizing scale or degree to make a theological argument.

In the Greco-Roman world, the size of one's handwriting could carry connotations. Large, clear letters might be used for public notices or for emphasis, while cursive was often smaller. Paul's reference in Galatians 6:11 to 'large letters' may signal a shift to his own hand for a solemn conclusion, possibly due to poor eyesight or to mimic the weight of engraved public decrees, adding gravity to his final, authoritative appeal.

πόσος (posos, G4214) — focuses on quantity ('how much/many'), whereas πηλίκος emphasizes size or greatness. μέγας (megas, G3173) — means 'great/large' as a descriptive adjective, while πηλίκος is interrogative/exclamatory ('how great!').

Word Details

Scripture References