τηλικοῦτος

so great

Definition

τηλικοῦτος is an adjective meaning 'so great,' 'so large,' or 'of such magnitude.' It emphasizes an extreme degree of size, importance, or intensity, often pointing to something remarkable or overwhelming. In its four New Testament occurrences, it consistently describes things of immense scale or consequence. For example, in Hebrews 2:3, it refers to the 'so great' salvation offered through Christ, while in James 3:4, it describes the 'very large' ships steered by a small rudder, illustrating a contrast in scale. In 2 Corinthians 1:10 and Revelation 16:18, it underscores the magnitude of divinely orchestrated deliverance and judgment, respectively.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only four times in the New Testament, each in a distinct context that highlights magnitude. In 2 Corinthians 1:10, Paul uses it for the 'so great' peril from which God delivered him, emphasizing divine rescue. Hebrews 2:3 applies it to the 'so great' salvation, stressing its supreme importance. James 3:4 employs it literally for 'very large' ships, making a point about control. Finally, Revelation 16:18 describes the 'so great' earthquake at the end times, underscoring apocalyptic scale. Its usage spans pastoral epistles, general epistles, and apocalyptic literature, always intensifying the noun it modifies.

Etymology

The word τηλικοῦτος is derived from the Greek adverb τῆλε (tēle), meaning 'at a distance' or 'far off,' combined with the demonstrative pronoun οὗτος (houtos), meaning 'this.' Literally, it suggests 'of such an extent' or 'so far-reaching,' which evolved to convey magnitude in size, degree, or importance. It is a compound adjective that emphasizes a quality reaching to a distant point, hence its sense of greatness or largeness.

Semantic Range

τηλικοῦτος is theologically significant as it magnifies key Christian concepts. In Hebrews 2:3, it elevates the doctrine of salvation, reminding believers of its incomparable worth and the gravity of neglecting it. In 2 Corinthians 1:10 and Revelation 16:18, it highlights God's power in deliverance and judgment, reinforcing themes of divine sovereignty and eschatological reality. Understanding this Greek term enriches Bible reading by underscoring the surpassing greatness of God's actions and gifts, encouraging awe and reverence.

In the ancient Greek world, τηλικοῦτος was used in both literal and figurative senses to denote extraordinary size or importance, similar to modern usage. However, in a biblical context, its application to spiritual realities like salvation (Hebrews 2:3) would have resonated with audiences familiar with Greek philosophical and religious ideas of magnitude, but now infused with Christian specificity. The term's use for ships in James 3:4 reflects common maritime knowledge in the Mediterranean culture, making the analogy about speech control immediately relatable.

μέγας (megas, G3173) — A more common adjective for 'great' or 'large,' but less intensive, often used broadly without the emphatic 'so' of τηλικοῦτος. πολύς (polys, G4183) — Means 'much' or 'many,' focusing on quantity rather than the qualitative intensity of greatness. ἱκανός (hikanos, G2425) — Means 'sufficient' or 'competent,' sometimes overlapping in sense of adequacy but lacking the connotation of overwhelming magnitude.

Word Details

Scripture References