Luke 7:28

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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!"

Berean Standard Bible

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.”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In this profound declaration, Jesus offers a dual assessment: first, affirming John the Baptist's unparalleled status as the greatest prophet among all born of women, acknowledging his unique role as the final herald of the Old Covenant. Second, and paradoxically, Jesus reveals a deeper truth about the Kingdom of God, asserting that even the least person within this newly inaugurated spiritual reality possesses a privilege and intimacy with God that surpasses John's extraordinary position. This statement underscores the radical shift in God's redemptive plan brought about by Christ's advent.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Jesus' declaration in [Luke 7:28](/luke/7-28 "Luke 7:28 - John the Baptist and the Kingdom of God") comes immediately after a pivotal exchange with a delegation from John the Baptist. John, imprisoned and perhaps struggling with doubt, sent his disciples to ask Jesus, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?" ([Luke 7:19](/luke/7-19 "Luke 7:19 - John's Disciples Question Jesus")). Jesus responded not with a direct "yes," but by performing numerous miracles of healing and restoration, instructing John's disciples to report what they had seen and heard: "The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor" ([Luke 7:22](/luke/7-22 "Luke 7:22 - Jesus' Works as Proof")). After they departed, Jesus turned to the crowds and began to speak highly of John, defending his character and identifying him as the messenger foretold in prophecy who would prepare the way for the Lord ([Luke 7:24-27](/luke/7-24-27 "Luke 7:24-27 - Jesus Praises John the Baptist")). This verse then serves as the climax of Jesus' commendation, simultaneously elevating John to the pinnacle of Old Covenant prophecy while subtly introducing the superior blessings of the New Covenant era, which He Himself was inaugurating.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judea was a land steeped in prophetic expectation, particularly concerning the arrival of the Messiah and a preparatory prophet like Elijah, as foretold in [Malachi 4:5-6](/malachi/4-5-6 "Malachi 4:5-6 - The Prophecy of Elijah's Return"). John the Baptist emerged from the wilderness, embodying the ascetic lifestyle of ancient prophets, calling Israel to repentance and ritual cleansing through baptism. His ministry resonated deeply with the Jewish people, who had experienced centuries of prophetic silence since Malachi. John's role was understood as the bridge between the Old Covenant and the dawning New Covenant. The concept of the "Kingdom of God" (or "Kingdom of Heaven" in Matthew's Gospel) was central to Jesus' teaching, representing God's active, redemptive reign breaking into human history, both present in Jesus' ministry and future in its full consummation. This context highlights the profound significance of Jesus' words, as He redefines the understanding of greatness and privilege in light of God's unfolding redemptive plan.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within Luke's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores **John the Baptist's Unparalleled Prophetic Status**. Jesus explicitly affirms John as the 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](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). John represents the culmination of the Law and the Prophets ([Matthew 11:13](/matthew/11-13 "Matthew 11:13 - The Law and Prophets Until John")), standing at the very threshold of the new era. Secondly, the verse introduces the **Inauguration and Superiority of the Kingdom of God**. The "Kingdom of God" refers to God's sovereign rule, actively being inaugurated by Jesus Christ. This phrase signifies a new spiritual reality and 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. This highlights the profound shift from the preparatory nature of the Old Covenant to the fulfillment found in Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **born (Greek, _gennētós'_):** From *gennaō*, meaning "to beget" or "to bear." In this context, "born of women" emphasizes John's humanity and natural birth, underscoring that despite his human origin, he was divinely appointed and uniquely exceptional among all mortals in his prophetic role.
* **greater (Greek, _meízōn'_):** An irregular comparative of *megas* (great), meaning "larger," "greater," or "more significant." Here, it denotes John's superior standing, not in moral character, but in his unique historical and prophetic function as the one who directly preceded and identified the Messiah.
* **least (Greek, _mikrós'_):** An apparently primary word meaning "small," "little," or "insignificant" (in size, quantity, number, or dignity). In this verse, it is used paradoxically to describe someone who, though perhaps humble or seemingly insignificant by worldly standards, holds a position of immense spiritual privilege within the Kingdom of God.
* **kingdom (Greek, _basileía'_):** From *basileus* (king), properly meaning "royalty," "rule," or "a realm." In this context, "Kingdom of God" signifies God's sovereign reign and the sphere of His redemptive activity, which Jesus was actively bringing to earth, characterized by new spiritual realities and blessings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist:"** Jesus begins this profound statement with an authoritative declaration ("For I say unto you"), emphasizing the weight of His words. The phrase "born of women" is a common biblical idiom for humanity, signifying that among all people who have ever lived, John the Baptist holds an unparalleled position as a prophet. This is not merely a compliment but an objective theological assessment of John's unique role as the final and greatest Old Covenant prophet, the one who directly prepared the way for the Messiah and identified Him. His greatness lies in his singular mission as the bridge between the old and new dispensations.
* **"but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."** The conjunction "but" (Greek: *dé*) introduces a stark contrast and a profound paradox. While John is the pinnacle of the Old Covenant, Jesus asserts that even the "least" person within the "kingdom of God" is "greater" than John. This "greatness" is not a judgment on John's personal piety or spiritual status, nor does it imply that New Covenant believers are morally superior. Instead, it refers to the superior spiritual privilege, access to God, and blessings available to those who participate in the new era inaugurated by Christ. Those in the Kingdom of God experience the indwelling Holy Spirit, direct access to God the Father through Christ, and the benefits of Christ's finished redemptive work—realities that even John, despite his prophetic stature, did not fully enter into in the same way.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus employs several potent literary devices in [Luke 7:28](/luke/7-28 "Luke 7:28 - John the Baptist and the Kingdom of God") to convey His revolutionary message. The most prominent is **Paradox**, where a seemingly contradictory statement reveals a deeper truth. The idea that the "least" could be "greater" than the "greatest" challenges conventional understanding of status and highlights the radical nature of God's Kingdom. This is closely related to **Antithesis** or **Contrast**, as Jesus sets John, the culmination of the Old Covenant, against the "least" in the new Kingdom, thereby emphasizing the profound shift in dispensations. Furthermore, Jesus uses **Hyperbole** when declaring John's unparalleled greatness ("not a greater prophet"), a strong exaggeration used for emphasis to underscore John's unique and pivotal role in salvation history before introducing the even more astonishing truth about the Kingdom. These devices together serve to shock the audience, provoke thought, and illuminate the unprecedented blessings of the new covenant era.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the theological shift from the Old Covenant to the New, highlighting the progressive nature of God's redemptive plan. John the Baptist represents the very peak of the Old Covenant, the last and greatest of the prophets who pointed forward to the coming Messiah. His greatness was in his preparatory role. However, with the advent of Jesus and the inauguration of the Kingdom of God, a new spiritual reality emerged. The "least" in this Kingdom are "greater" not because of their personal merit or spiritual maturity, but because they stand on the other side of Christ's finished work. They have access to the Holy Spirit, direct communion with God as Father, and the full benefits of Christ's atoning sacrifice and resurrection. This "greatness" is a positional privilege by grace, signifying a deeper intimacy with God and a more complete revelation of His redemptive purposes than was available under the Law and the Prophets. It is a testament to the radical grace and transformative power of the New Covenant.

* [Matthew 11:11](/matthew/11-11 "Parallel Passage on John's Greatness")
* [John 1:17](/john/1-17 "Grace and Truth Through Jesus Christ")
* [Hebrews 11:39-40](/hebrews/11-39-40 "Old Testament Saints and the Promise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' declaration in [Luke 7:28](/luke/7-28 "Luke 7:28 - John the Baptist and the Kingdom of God") should fill every believer with profound gratitude and humility. If the "least" in the Kingdom of God is considered "greater" than John the Baptist—a man Jesus Himself held in such high esteem—it underscores the immense, undeserved privilege we possess as participants in God's New Covenant. Our "greatness" is not earned but is a gift of grace, flowing from our union with Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This truth should inspire us to live lives that reflect this high calling, recognizing the extraordinary access we have to God through prayer, His Word, and the sacraments. It also calls us to a deeper appreciation for God's unfolding redemptive plan throughout history, understanding that we are beneficiaries of centuries of divine preparation and prophetic anticipation, now living in the era of fulfillment. Our response should be one of humble worship, striving to walk worthy of the gospel and to share the good news of this glorious Kingdom with others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean to be "greater" in the Kingdom of God, and how does this understanding shape my view of my own spiritual standing?**
* **How does this verse deepen my appreciation for the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant, and what specific New Covenant privileges do I cherish most?**
* **Given the immense privilege of being "in the Kingdom of God," what practical implications does this have for my daily walk, my priorities, and my witness to the world?**

### FAQ

**Was John the Baptist saved, given that "the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he"?**

Answer: Yes, John the Baptist was undoubtedly saved. Jesus' statement does not imply that John was spiritually deficient or excluded from God's salvation. Rather, it highlights a difference in *dispensational privilege* and *position* within God's unfolding redemptive plan. John was a righteous man, filled with the Holy Spirit from birth ([Luke 1:15](/luke/1-15 "Luke 1:15 - John Filled with the Holy Spirit")), chosen by God for a unique and pivotal role. He believed in God and faithfully fulfilled his prophetic ministry. His salvation, like that of all Old Testament saints, was based on God's grace and their faith, looking forward to the Messiah. The "greater" status of those in the Kingdom of God refers to their post-resurrection access to God through Christ's finished work, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit for all believers, and the full revelation of God's redemptive purposes—blessings that John, as the last Old Covenant prophet, did not fully experience in the same way.

**What exactly does "least in the kingdom of God" signify? Does it refer to spiritual maturity or a specific status?**

Answer: The phrase "least in the kingdom of God" does not refer to a person's spiritual maturity, moral standing, or level of piety. Instead, it emphasizes that *anyone* who enters into the new spiritual reality of God's reign, inaugurated by Jesus Christ, possesses a positional privilege and access to God that surpasses even the greatest Old Testament figure like John. It signifies the radical accessibility and profound blessings of the New Covenant. Even the newest, most humble, or seemingly "least" significant believer in Christ has the Holy Spirit indwelling them ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "John 14:16-17 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit")), direct access to God as Father through Christ ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")), and the benefits of Christ's completed work on the cross ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, the Mediator of a New Covenant")). This "greatness" is therefore a matter of *privilege and position* within the new covenant relationship with God, not a measure of personal worthiness or spiritual advancement.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Luke 7:28](/luke/7-28 "Luke 7:28 - John the Baptist and the Kingdom of God") finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in Jesus Christ. John the Baptist's unparalleled greatness was precisely in his role as the forerunner, the one who prepared the way for the Lord and pointed directly to the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His mission was to usher in the one who was "coming after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie" ([Luke 3:16](/luke/3-16 "Luke 3:16 - John's Prophecy of the Greater One")). The "kingdom of God" that Jesus speaks of is not merely a concept, but a reality actively inaugurated by Christ Himself through His life, ministry, death, and resurrection. It is through Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross and His triumph over sin and death that the blessings of this "greater" kingdom become accessible. Believers are made "greater" than John because they are united with Christ through faith, becoming co-heirs with Him ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")) and receiving the indwelling Holy Spirit, the very Spirit of Christ ([Romans 8:9](/romans/8-9 "Romans 8:9 - The Spirit of Christ")). This "greater" status is not about our own merit, but entirely about the finished work of Christ, who has secured for us direct access to the Father ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach God's Throne of Grace")) and made us participants in His eternal reign ([Revelation 5:10](/revelation/5-10 "Revelation 5:10 - Kings and Priests to God")). Thus, the verse powerfully testifies to the superiority of the new covenant, established and sustained by Christ, over all that came before.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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: