Matthew 11:11

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Verily {G281} I say {G3004} unto you {G5213}, Among {G1722} them that are born {G1084} of women {G1135} there hath {G1453} not {G3756} risen {G1453} a greater than {G3187} John {G2491} the Baptist {G910}: notwithstanding {G1161} he that is least {G3398} in {G1722} the kingdom {G932} of heaven {G3772} is {G2076} greater than {G3187} he {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yes! 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

Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet even the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 11:11 presents a profound and seemingly paradoxical declaration from Jesus concerning John the Baptist, affirming his unparalleled greatness among all born of women while simultaneously asserting that the least in the kingdom of heaven holds a superior position. This verse serves as a pivotal statement, acknowledging John's unique and climactic role as the final and greatest prophet of the Old Covenant era, while simultaneously highlighting the qualitative and positional privilege afforded to those who enter into the inaugurated spiritual reign of God through Christ, ushering in the New Covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jesus' discourse regarding John the Baptist, which begins in [Matthew 11:2](/matthew/11-2 "Matthew 11:2 - John's Disciples Question Jesus"). John, imprisoned, sends his disciples to ask Jesus, "Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?" Jesus responds by pointing to His miraculous works, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies, and then turns to commend John before the crowds. He describes John as more than a prophet, identifying him as the messenger prophesied to prepare the way for the Messiah ([Malachi 3:1](/malachi/3-1 "Malachi 3:1 - The Messenger of the Covenant")). The statement in [Matthew 11:11](/matthew/11-11 "Matthew 11:11 - Jesus' Assessment of John the Baptist") acts as a profound summary of John's unique historical and redemptive-historical position, serving as a bridge that both culminates the Old Covenant prophetic tradition and introduces the superior reality of the New Covenant kingdom that Jesus is inaugurating.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** John the Baptist operated within a Jewish society deeply steeped in prophetic expectation, particularly the return of Elijah before the coming of the Messiah ([Malachi 4:5-6](/malachi/4-5-6 "Malachi 4:5-6 - The Prophecy of Elijah's Return")). His ascetic lifestyle, wilderness ministry, and call to repentance through baptism resonated with ancient prophetic traditions and prepared the people for the coming kingdom. The concept of the "kingdom of heaven" (or "kingdom of God" in other Gospels) was central to Jewish eschatological hopes, though many expected a political, earthly kingdom. Jesus' teaching here redefines this kingdom as a spiritual reality, initiated by His presence and accessible through faith, fundamentally shifting the understanding of God's reign from a future, external event to a present, internal reality.
* **Key Themes:** [Matthew 11:11](/matthew/11-11 "Matthew 11:11 - Jesus' Assessment of John the Baptist") contributes significantly to several key themes within Matthew's Gospel and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **John the Baptist's unique and climactic role** as the final and greatest prophet of the Old Covenant, the direct forerunner to the Messiah, who prepared the way for Jesus ([Matthew 3:1-3](/matthew/3-1-3 "Matthew 3:1-3 - John the Baptist Prepares the Way")). Secondly, it introduces the **inauguration of the Kingdom of Heaven**, emphasizing that with Christ's advent, a new spiritual order has begun, offering greater access to God and His blessings than previously available. This highlights the **transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant**, where the Law and Prophets found their fulfillment in Christ ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **paradox in God's kingdom**, where conventional greatness is re-evaluated in light of spiritual privilege and proximity to Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **born (Greek, _gennētós_):** From the verb "to beget" or "to be born," this word emphasizes humanity's common origin and natural generation. Jesus' use of "among them that are born of women" underscores that John's greatness is unparalleled within the sphere of human existence, highlighting his unique divine appointment and prophetic stature among all individuals who have entered the world through natural birth.
* **greater (Greek, _meízōn_):** This is the comparative form of "great," signifying "larger," "more significant," or "superior." In the first part of the verse, it affirms John's supreme standing among all prophets and people of the Old Covenant. In the second part, its reapplication to the "least in the kingdom of heaven" highlights a qualitative difference in privilege and access to God's redemptive realities, not necessarily a personal moral superiority over John.
* **kingdom (Greek, _basileía_):** This term denotes "royalty," "rule," or "realm." In the phrase "kingdom of heaven," it refers to God's sovereign reign, particularly as it is manifested and inaugurated through the person and work of Jesus Christ. This kingdom is not merely a future hope but a present spiritual reality into which believers enter through faith, granting them unique blessings and a closer relationship with God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Verily I say unto you":** This solemn introductory phrase, "Amen, I say to you," is characteristic of Jesus' teaching, underscoring the absolute truth and authority of His subsequent statement. It commands attention and emphasizes the profound significance of what is about to be revealed, marking it as a divine pronouncement.
* **"Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist":** This declaration unequivocally establishes John's preeminent position in redemptive history. It signifies that of all humanity, from the beginning of time up to John's ministry, no one had a more significant or divinely appointed role. John was the final and greatest prophet of the Old Covenant, the one uniquely chosen to prepare the way for the Messiah, bridging the gap between the Law and the Gospel.
* **"notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he":** This is the striking paradox. "Notwithstanding" (Greek _dé_) introduces a strong contrast. While John is supreme in the old order, the "least" (Greek _mikrós_, "small" or "insignificant") person who has entered the "kingdom of heaven" is "greater." This "greater" refers to positional privilege and spiritual insight, not moral superiority. Those in the kingdom of heaven experience the direct reign of God through Christ, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and a clearer revelation of God's redemptive plan—privileges not fully accessible even to John under the Old Covenant.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 11:11 is rich in **Contrast**, juxtaposing John's unparalleled greatness within the Old Covenant era with the even greater privilege of those within the New Covenant "kingdom of heaven." This creates a powerful **Paradox**, where the "least" in one sphere is deemed "greater" than the "greatest" in another, challenging conventional notions of status and highlighting the radical nature of God's kingdom. Jesus' initial declaration about John's greatness can also be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, an intentional overstatement to emphasize John's unique and climactic role, setting the stage for the even more astonishing truth about kingdom privilege.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates the monumental shift in redemptive history brought about by Christ's advent. It signifies the transition from the preparatory era of the Law and the Prophets, which culminated in John the Baptist, to the inaugurated reality of God's direct reign through His Son. While John faithfully fulfilled his role as the forerunner, those who enter the kingdom of heaven through faith in Christ are granted a superior spiritual standing, marked by direct access to God, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and a fuller revelation of God's saving grace. This "greater" status is not earned but is a gift of God's grace, underscoring the immense privilege and profound blessings of the New Covenant.

* [Luke 7:28](/luke/7-28 "Luke 7:28 - Parallel Account of Jesus' Words about John")
* [Hebrews 11:39-40](/hebrews/11-39-40 "Hebrews 11:39-40 - Better Things for Believers")
* [Ephesians 3:9-10](/ephesians/3-9-10 "Ephesians 3:9-10 - The Mystery of Christ Revealed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 11:11 invites us to a profound appreciation for the spiritual blessings and privileges we enjoy as believers in Christ. While we honor the faithfulness and unique calling of John the Baptist and the prophets who preceded him, we must recognize that we live in an era of unprecedented access to God's presence and revelation through the New Covenant. This "greater" status is not a license for spiritual pride but a call to deeper humility and responsibility. It means we have been entrusted with a clearer understanding of God's redemptive plan and the power of the Holy Spirit to live out kingdom values. Therefore, our lives should reflect the profound grace we have received, compelling us to live in gratitude, obedience, and active participation in the advancement of God's kingdom on earth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding the "greater" privilege of the New Covenant impact your daily walk with God?**
* **In what ways do you experience the "kingdom of heaven" as a present reality in your life?**
* **What responsibilities accompany the immense spiritual blessings we have received through Christ?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply that John the Baptist is not saved or is somehow inferior in God's eyes?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that John the Baptist is not saved or is morally inferior. Jesus' statement is a declaration of John's unparalleled greatness within the Old Covenant dispensation. The "greater" status of the "least in the kingdom of heaven" refers to a positional and qualitative privilege under the New Covenant, not a judgment on John's personal piety or salvation. 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")), and faithfully fulfilled his divine calling. The "greater" status of New Covenant believers lies in their direct access to God through Christ's finished work, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and a fuller revelation of God's redemptive plan, which was not fully unveiled until Christ's death and resurrection.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 11:11 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. John the Baptist, though the greatest of all prophets born of women, was fundamentally a pointer to Christ, the one who was "coming after me, who is mightier than I" ([Matthew 3:11](/matthew/3-11 "Matthew 3:11 - John's Prophecy of Jesus")). The "kingdom of heaven" that grants superior privilege is not an abstract concept but the very reign of God inaugurated and embodied by Jesus Himself. It is through Christ's perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection that the new covenant was established ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - A Superior Covenant")), granting believers a direct, intimate relationship with God that surpasses even the closest proximity enjoyed by Old Testament saints. The "least" in this kingdom is "greater" because they are united to Christ, indwelt by His Spirit, and beneficiaries of His complete revelation and redemption. Our "greatness" is entirely derived from our union with the One who is truly the greatest, the King of this very kingdom, Jesus Christ, in whom "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - The Supremacy of Christ")).

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

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.

Ephesians 3:8

Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;

John 1:15

¶ John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.

Matthew 3:11

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and [with] fire:

Matthew 5:19

Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach [them], the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

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.

John 10:41

And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true.