Luke 7:28

For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

For {G1063} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, Among {G1722} those that are born {G1084} of women {G1135} there is {G2076} not {G3762} a greater {G3187} prophet {G4396} than {G3187} John {G2491} the Baptist {G910}: but {G1161} he that is least {G3398} in {G1722} the kingdom {G932} of God {G2316} is {G2076} greater than {G3187} he {G846}.

I tell you that among those born of women there has not arisen anyone greater than Yochanan the Immerser! Yet the one who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he!"

I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John, yet even the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there is none greater than John: yet he that is but little in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

In this profound declaration, Jesus offers a powerful assessment of John the Baptist's unique place in salvation history, while simultaneously revealing a deeper truth about the Kingdom of God.

Context

Jesus utters these words immediately after a delegation from John the Baptist came to inquire if Jesus was the Messiah (Luke 7:19). Following His affirmative response and a series of miracles, Jesus turns to the crowds and begins to speak highly of John. He describes John as more than a prophet, identifying him as the messenger foretold to prepare the way for the Lord (Luke 7:27, referencing Malachi 3:1). This verse then serves as a pivotal statement, elevating John to the highest human status while also highlighting the superior privilege of those who belong to the new era ushered in by Christ.

Key Themes

  • John the Baptist's Unparalleled Status: Jesus explicitly states that among all people "born of women," none is greater than John the Baptist. This recognizes John's extraordinary role as the final and greatest prophet of the Old Covenant, the one uniquely chosen to directly prepare the way for the Messiah and point Him out to Israel (John 1:29).
  • The Kingdom of God's Superiority: The second part of the verse, "but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he," introduces a crucial distinction. The "Kingdom of God" refers to God's sovereign rule, actively inaugurated by Jesus Christ. This phrase signifies a new spiritual reality, a new covenant of grace. Even the "least" person who enters this kingdom through faith in Christ, and thus experiences the benefits of His finished work and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, possesses a spiritual privilege and intimacy with God that surpasses even the great prophets who lived before Christ's redemptive act.
  • Old Covenant vs. New Covenant: The verse subtly contrasts the two dispensations. John represents the culmination of the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 11:13), standing at the threshold of the new era. Those within the Kingdom of God experience the fullness of God's grace and the direct access to Him that the New Covenant provides, a reality that even John, despite his greatness, did not fully enter into in the same way.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "born of women" (Greek: gennētois gynaikōn) emphasizes John's humanity and natural birth, yet underscores his exceptional divine appointment among all mortals.
  • "Kingdom of God" (Greek: basileia tou theou) signifies God's sovereign reign and the sphere of His redemptive activity, which Jesus was actively bringing to earth.

Practical Application

  • Profound Gratitude: This verse should fill believers with profound gratitude. If the "least" in the Kingdom of God is greater than John the Baptist, who was so highly esteemed by Jesus, it highlights the immense privilege and blessing of being a part of God's family today, having access to God through Christ and the Holy Spirit.
  • Understanding God's Progressive Plan: It helps us appreciate the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through history, from the preparation of the Old Testament to the fulfillment in Jesus Christ and the establishment of His Kingdom.
  • Humility in Privilege: Our "greatness" in the Kingdom is not due to our own merit or works, but entirely to the grace of God and the finished work of Jesus Christ. This should lead to humility and a deeper reliance on Him.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Matthew 11:11

    Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

  • Matthew 13:16

    But blessed [are] your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.

  • Matthew 13:17

    For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous [men] have desired to see [those things] which ye see, and have not seen [them]; and to hear [those things] which ye hear, and have not heard [them].

  • Luke 9:48

    And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.

  • Colossians 1:25

    Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;

  • Colossians 1:27

    To whom God would make known what [is] the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

  • 1 Peter 1:10

    ¶ Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace [that should come] unto you:

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