neuter of μείζων; (adverbially) in greater degree:--the more.
Transliteration:meîzon
Pronunciation:mide'-zon
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word meîzon (`{{G3185}}`) is the neuter singular form of the comparative adjective meízōn (`{{G3173}}`), which itself is derived from mégas (`{{G3173}}`), meaning "great." As a neuter form, meîzon often functions adverbially, conveying the sense of "in a greater degree," "more," or "to a greater extent." When used substantively, it refers to "a greater thing" or "something greater." Its semantic range encompasses notions of superiority in quality, quantity, importance, or magnitude. It denotes a higher level of significance, power, or excellence in comparison to something else.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
While meízōn (`{{G3173}}`) appears frequently in various forms throughout the New Testament, the specific neuter singular form meîzon (`{{G3185}}`) is notably employed in [[Matthew 12:6]]. In this pivotal passage, Jesus declares, "I tell you, something greater than the temple is here" (τοῦ ἱεροῦ μεῖζόν ἐστιν ὧδε). Here, meîzon (μεῖζον) functions as a substantive, referring directly to Jesus Himself and His inherent authority. This statement is made in the context of the disciples plucking grain on the Sabbath, an act that drew criticism from the Pharisees. Jesus defends His disciples by citing the example of David and the priests, then culminates His argument by asserting His own preeminence over the Temple, the holiest site in Judaism. This declaration signifies a profound shift, indicating that the presence and authority of Christ supersede even the most sacred institutions of the Old Covenant. Other passages, such as [[Matthew 12:41]] and [[Matthew 12:42]], use pleion (`{{G4119}}`) ("more") when referring to "something greater than Jonah" or "Solomon," highlighting a subtle lexical distinction chosen by the biblical authors, where meîzon (`{{G3185}}`) emphasizes qualitative superiority, while pleion (`{{G4119}}`) can denote quantitative excess.
### Related Words & Concepts
* meízōn (`{{G3173}}`): The comparative adjective "greater," from which meîzon (`{{G3185}}`) is derived. It is used broadly for "greater" in terms of size, importance, or age (e.g., [[John 14:28]], "the Father is greater than I").
* mégas (`{{G3173}}`): The positive degree adjective, meaning "great," "large," or "mighty." meîzon (`{{G3185}}`) represents a higher degree of this quality.
* pleion (`{{G4119}}`): Meaning "more" or "greater," often with an emphasis on quantity or number (e.g., [[Matthew 12:41]], "something more than Jonah"). While semantically overlapping, meîzon (`{{G3185}}`) typically underscores qualitative superiority.
* Concepts of preeminence, authority, transcendence, and ultimate significance are closely associated with meîzon (`{{G3185}}`). It speaks to a hierarchical ordering where one entity or truth holds a superior position.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of meîzon (`{{G3185}}`) in [[Matthew 12:6]] is immense. By declaring "something greater than the temple is here," Jesus asserts His divine authority and identity as the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence among His people. The Temple, for the Jewish people, was the central locus of God's dwelling, sacrifice, and worship. Jesus' statement signifies that He Himself embodies the very presence of God in a way that surpasses any physical structure or ritual. This pronouncement foreshadows the New Covenant, where worship is no longer confined to a specific place but is rendered in "spirit and truth" through Christ (cf. [[John 4:21-24]]). It underscores the truth that Christ is the supreme reality, the true sanctuary, and the ultimate mediator between God and humanity. His person and work are of unparalleled significance, transcending all earthly institutions and highlighting the qualitative superiority of His divine nature and mission.
### Summary
meîzon (`{{G3185}}`) is the neuter singular form of the comparative adjective meízōn (`{{G3173}}`), meaning "greater." It functions adverbially as "in a greater degree" or substantively as "a greater thing." Its most profound use is found in [[Matthew 12:6]], where Jesus declares, "something greater than the temple is here." This statement is a powerful assertion of Christ's supreme authority and preeminence over all earthly institutions, including the most sacred of Jewish symbols. The word underscores the theological truth that Christ Himself is the ultimate reality, surpassing all other forms of divine manifestation or human endeavor, and signifying the dawn of a new, superior covenant centered on His person.
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