### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective μείζων (meízōn, `{{G3187}}`) serves as the irregular comparative form of μέγας (megas, `{{G3173}}`), meaning "great." As such, its fundamental meaning conveys a sense of superiority, indicating something that is "greater," "larger," "more significant," or "superior" in various respects. The semantic range of μείζων encompasses:
* **Quantitative Superiority:** Referring to a greater number, size, or extent (e.g., a larger measure, a greater quantity).
* **Qualitative Superiority:** Denoting a higher degree of excellence, importance, or intensity (e.g., greater love, more significant works).
* **Hierarchical Superiority:** Indicating preeminence in status, authority, or rank (e.g., a greater master, a higher position).
* **Temporal Superiority:** Specifically, in terms of age, signifying "elder" or "older."
This versatility allows μείζων to function in both literal and figurative contexts, challenging and redefining conventional notions of greatness within the biblical narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
μείζων appears frequently in the New Testament, often in passages central to Christ's teaching and the apostles' theology. Its usage illuminates various facets of divine truth:
* **Redefining Greatness in the Kingdom:** Perhaps most profoundly, Jesus uses μείζων to subvert worldly standards of greatness. In [[Matthew 11:11]] (and [[Luke 7:28]]), He declares, "Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he." This paradox highlights that true greatness in God's kingdom is not measured by earthly renown or religious status, but by one's relationship with God and participation in His new order. Similarly, Jesus teaches His disciples that "whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant" ([[Matthew 20:26]]; cf. [[Mark 9:35]], [[Mark 10:43]]), equating greatness with humble service.
* **The Father's Supreme Authority:** In [[John 10:29]], Jesus states concerning His sheep, "My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand." Here, μείζων unequivocally affirms the absolute sovereignty and ultimate power of God the Father, underscoring the security of those in His care.
* **Christ's Unique Relationship and Works:** Jesus frequently uses μείζων to speak of His unique identity and mission. When questioned about His authority, He implies His superiority to Abraham ([[John 8:53]]) and Jacob ([[John 4:12]]). In [[John 14:12]], He promises His followers, "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to the Father." This declaration points to the Spirit-empowered ministry of the church, which, through the spread of the Gospel and the transformation of lives, would have a broader and more extensive impact than Jesus' earthly ministry, all empowered by His ascension.
* **The Supremacy of Love:** In [[John 15:13]], Jesus pronounces the ultimate act of love: "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends." This verse encapsulates His own impending sacrifice. Paul echoes this sentiment in [[1 Corinthians 13:13]], concluding his discourse on spiritual gifts with, "But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love." Here, μείζων elevates *agapē* as the preeminent virtue, the enduring and most excellent characteristic of the Christian life.
* **Literal and Comparative Uses:** μείζων also appears in more straightforward comparative contexts, such as describing the mustard seed becoming "the greatest of shrubs" ([[Matthew 13:32]]) or in [[Hebrews 7:7]], where the principle is stated that "without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater," in reference to Melchizedek's priesthood being superior to Abraham's.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of μείζων is best understood in relation to its root and contrasting terms:
* **Root Word:** μέγας (megas, `{{G3173}}`), meaning "great," "large," or "mighty." μείζων simply escalates this concept to a comparative degree.
* **Antonym:** ἐλάσσων (elassōn, `{{G1640}}`), meaning "lesser" or "smaller." This contrasting term often appears in contexts where μείζων is used, emphasizing the comparative nature (e.g., [[Hebrews 7:7]]).
* **Concepts of Authority and Preeminence:** μείζων frequently intersects with ideas of divine sovereignty, lordship, and the hierarchy within God's creation and kingdom. Words like κύριος (kyrios, `{{G2962}}`, "Lord") and δεσπότης (despotēs, `{{G1203}}`, "master") resonate with the hierarchical implications of μείζων.
* **Virtues:** Its association with "love" (ἀγάπη, agapē, `{{G26}}`) in [[1 Corinthians 13:13]] and [[John 15:13]] highlights its role in defining the supreme Christian virtues.
* **Paradoxical Greatness:** μείζων is central to the New Testament's redefinition of "greatness," shifting it from worldly power or status to humble service and self-sacrificial love, often juxtaposed with concepts of "least" or "servant."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of μείζων is profound, shaping our understanding of God, Christ, and the nature of the Christian life:
* **God's Absolute Supremacy:** The declaration that the Father is "greater than all" ([[John 10:29]]) establishes the ultimate sovereignty and unchallengeable authority of God. This affirmation grounds the believer's security in divine power.
* **Christ's Unique Identity and Mission:** While Jesus acknowledges the Father's ultimate greatness, His own claims of "greater works" and His implicit superiority to figures like Abraham ([[John 8:53]]) underscore His divine nature and unparalleled role in salvation history. His promise of "greater works" for believers ([[John 14:12]]) speaks to the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit and the expansive reach of the Gospel through the church.
* **The Kingdom's Counter-Cultural Values:** Perhaps the most radical theological implication of μείζων is its use in redefining greatness. Jesus consistently challenges human notions of power, status, and authority, asserting that true greatness in God's kingdom is found in humility, service, and self-sacrifice ([[Matthew 20:26]]). This reorientation of values is fundamental to Christian discipleship, calling believers to emulate Christ's servant-leadership rather than worldly ambition.
* **The Preeminence of Love:** The declaration that "the greatest of these is love" ([[1 Corinthians 13:13]]) elevates *agapē* to the supreme Christian virtue. This is not merely an ethical principle but a theological truth, reflecting the very character of God ([[1 John 4:8]]) and the essence of Christ's sacrifice ([[John 15:13]]). Love, expressed through self-giving, becomes the ultimate measure of spiritual maturity and the most powerful witness to the world.
### Summary
μείζων (meízōn, `{{G3187}}`), as the comparative form of "great," signifies "greater," "larger," or "more significant." Its biblical usage is pivotal in conveying profound theological truths. It affirms God the Father's absolute supremacy ([[John 10:29]]) and highlights Christ's unique identity and the expansive, Spirit-empowered ministry of His followers ([[John 14:12]]). Crucially, μείζων serves as a key term in Jesus' radical redefinition of greatness, shifting it from worldly power and status to humble service and self-sacrificial love ([[Matthew 20:26]]). This reorientation culminates in the theological declaration that love (ἀγάπη) is the "greatest" of all virtues ([[1 Corinthians 13:13]]), embodying the very nature of God and the essence of Christ's salvific work ([[John 15:13]]). Thus, μείζων challenges believers to embrace a counter-cultural understanding of true significance, rooted in divine values rather than human accolades.
TRV