μεγαλωσύνη

From the study of Hebrews 1:3

Range of meaning

Greatness, majesty. Found almost only in Jewish and Christian Greek. In the Greek Old Testament it is used of God's greatness (e.g. Deuteronomy 32:3, 'ascribe greatness to our God'). In the New Testament it appears only here, in Hebrews 8:1 and in Jude 25.

Against the English

All major English versions have 'the Majesty'. YLT has 'the greatness'. Accurate, though English readers may not see that this is a stand-in for God's name.

Used elsewhere in the period

Jewish reverence avoided saying the divine name and used substitutes such as 'the Power', 'Heaven', 'the Glory'. Compare Jesus at his trial: 'at the right hand of the Power' (Mark 14:62). 1 Enoch and other Second Temple texts use similar titles for God.

From the study of Hebrews 8:1

Range of meaning

'Greatness, majesty'. It is a Jewish-Greek word that appears mainly in the Septuagint and in Jewish and early Christian writings. It is used of God's grandeur and, by extension, as a title for God.

Against the English

'Majesty' is close. But capitalised 'the Majesty' can read like a decorative title, or like an abstract quality ('the throne of majesty' = a majestic throne). In Hebrews it is a reverent stand-in for God himself.

Used elsewhere in the period

Septuagint Deut 32:3 ('ascribe greatness to our God'), 1 Chron 29:11, Psalm 145:3, 6. Jude 25 ('to the only God… be glory, majesty'). Hebrews 1:3 ('at the right hand of the Majesty on high'). It reflects the Jewish habit of honouring God by circumlocution, like 'Heaven' or 'the Power' (Mark 14:62).

From the study of Jude 1:25

Range of meaning

Greatness, majesty, royal grandeur. The word is found almost only in Jewish and Christian Greek. In Hebrews it even serves as a reverent stand-in for God's name ('the Majesty on high').

Against the English

'Majesty' (BSB, KJV, WEB, ESV, NIV) is a good fit. YLT's 'greatness' is closer to the word's root (megas, 'great') and to the Hebrew behind it.

Used elsewhere in the period

Deut 32:3 in the Greek Old Testament: 'ascribe greatness (megalōsynē) to our God', translating Hebrew godel. 1 Chr 29:11 in Greek is David's doxology: 'Yours, O Lord, are the greatness and the power…'. Also Letter of Aristeas 192; Heb 1:3; 8:1; and 1 Clement 20:12 ('to whom be the glory and the majesty forever and ever'). Outside Jewish and Christian writing it is very rare (BDAG).