πηλίκος

From the study of Hebrews 7:4

Range of meaning

A word asking or exclaiming 'how large' or 'how great.' It is used for physical size (Galatians 6:11: 'with what large letters') and for importance, rank or greatness. It is the only other New Testament use besides Galatians 6:11.

Against the English

'How great' (KJV, BSB, WEB, YLT) is accurate. Some versions ('just think how great') bring out the note of surprise. Nothing important is lost.

Used elsewhere in the period

Classical and Hellenistic Greek use it for size and for importance (BDAG). The Greek Old Testament uses related words for scale. In Hebrews it belongs to the writer's polished, rhetorical style.

From the study of Galatians 6:11

Range of meaning

"How large, how great": size or magnitude, used in exclamations and questions. In the NT it appears only here and in Hebrews 7:4 ("see how great this man was", of Melchizedek's greatness).

Against the English

Modern versions say "large", which is accurate. "How large a letter" (KJV) moves the size from the characters to the document.

Used elsewhere in the period

Classical and Koine Greek use pēlikos for physical size (also for age or importance). For quantity or length a writer would more naturally use posos ("how much, how many").