Bible Word Study
μεγαλοπρεπής
megaloprepēs · magnificent, superb, transcendent
μεγαλοπρεπής
magnificent, superb, transcendent
Definition
The adjective μεγαλοπρεπής describes something of surpassing greatness, splendor, or majesty. It conveys a sense of magnificent excellence that is fitting for a grand or divine subject. In its sole New Testament occurrence in 2 Peter 1:17, it specifically modifies the 'voice' that came from heaven at Jesus's transfiguration, characterizing it as majestic and supremely glorious. The word implies a transcendent quality that inspires awe and reverence.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the New Testament, in 2 Peter 1:17. It is employed in the context of narrating the Transfiguration of Jesus, where it describes the 'majestic glory' or 'majestic voice' from heaven that declared, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.' Its usage is entirely focused on attributing a divine, awe-inspiring quality to God's own communication, emphasizing the supreme authority and splendor of the event.
Etymology
Derived from the combination of two Greek roots: μέγας (megas, G3173) meaning 'great, large' and πρέπω (prepō, G4241) meaning 'to be fitting, suitable, or proper.' Thus, the compound word literally means 'fitting for greatness' or 'appropriate to majesty,' describing something that possesses or displays a grandeur that is entirely suitable and impressive.
Semantic Range
This word is theologically significant as it is uniquely applied to the divine voice at the Transfiguration, directly linking God's spoken word with supreme majesty and glory. It underscores the doctrine of God's transcendent nature and the unique, authoritative confirmation of Jesus's divine sonship. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting that the heavenly affirmation of Christ was not merely an announcement but an event of overwhelming, fitting splendor that demands worship. In the Greco-Roman world, the term could be used for magnificent public spectacles, stately buildings, or regal behavior befitting a ruler. The biblical author co-opts this term of high cultural esteem and applies it exclusively to a divine manifestation, elevating its meaning to describe a glory that far surpasses any human or imperial majesty. μέγας (megas, G3173) — emphasizes greatness in size or importance, but lacks the connotation of fitting splendor. ἔνδοξος (endoxos, G1741) — means 'glorious, famous,' focusing on reputation and honor, but not necessarily the intrinsic majestic suitability of megaloprepēs. λαμπρός (lampros, G2986) — means 'bright, shining, splendid,' often describing visual brilliance rather than comprehensive majestic dignity.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). Concordance and morphology data are derived from the interlinear Bible.
Full methodology & sources →References
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Tyndale Brief lexicon of Extended Strongs for Greek (TBESG). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Formatted full LSJ (TFLSJ). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Thayer, J.H. (1889) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. [Public Domain]
- Gesenius, W. (1846) Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament. [Public Domain]
- Dodson, J. (2010) Greek Lexicon. Biblical Humanities. [CC0]