Original Word: μείζων
Part of Speech: Adverb, Comparative
Transliteration: meizon
Pronunciation: MAY-zohn
Phonetic Spelling: (mide'-zon)
KJV: the more
Word Origin: [neuter of G3187 (μείζων - Greater)]

1. (adverbially) in greater degree

the more.

Neuter of meizon; (adverbially) in greater degree -- the more.

see GREEK meizon

Word Origin
neut. of meizón, q.v.

Linguistic Orientation

The comparative adjective μείζων expresses “greater” in degree, rank, authority, or value. Although Strong’s 3185 is not separately tagged in the Greek New Testament, the form functions throughout Scripture to contrast what is merely “great” with what surpasses it. The biblical writers employ the word to highlight the supremacy of God, the preeminence of Christ, and the surpassing excellence of the new covenant.

Divine Supremacy

Scripture consistently declares the LORD to be incomparable. “Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods” (Psalm 96:4). The comparative idea surfaces whenever human strength, earthly rulers, or false deities are set beside the living God. The prophets remind Israel that every created power—whether Egypt’s armies, Babylon’s wealth, or the hosts of heaven—are small before Him (Isaiah 40:15-17).

Christ, the One Who Is Greater

1. Greater than the temple (Matthew 12:6). As the true dwelling place of God among men, Jesus eclipses the sanctuary that foreshadowed Him.
2. Greater than Jonah (Matthew 12:41). Where the prophet preached reluctantly, the Son willingly offers His own life for sinners.
3. Greater than Solomon (Matthew 12:42). Messiah’s wisdom and kingdom outstrip even Israel’s golden age.
4. “The Father is greater than I” (John 14:28). In His incarnate mission, Jesus acknowledges the Father’s position while maintaining His full deity (John 1:1). The statement illuminates the functional subordination within the Godhead during the earthly ministry of the Son.
5. “Jesus has been counted worthy of greater glory than Moses” (Hebrews 3:3). The mediator of the new covenant surpasses the servant of the old.

The Greater Commandment

When asked for the foremost precept, Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:30-31). The comparative form underscores the priority of love, providing the lens through which every statute must be interpreted.

Greater Works

“For the Father loves the Son and shows Him all He does, and to your amazement He will show Him even greater works than these” (John 5:20). The resurrection, ascension, and outpouring of the Spirit climax those works. Moreover, Jesus promises, “Whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12). The church’s worldwide proclamation of the gospel manifests this pledge as countless lives are raised from spiritual death.

Greater Love

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Calvary defines love’s ultimate measure, calling believers to sacrificial service. The apostle John later applies the truth pastorally: “God is greater than our hearts” (1 John 3:20), able to reassure the conscience, and “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4), guaranteeing victory over falsehood.

A Greater Covenant and Priesthood

Hebrews presents a sustained contrast between the preparatory and the perfect:
• “But now, Jesus has obtained a more excellent ministry, just as the covenant He mediates is better” (Hebrews 8:6).
• “Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made by hands” (Hebrews 9:11).
• By entering “once for all into the Most Holy Place” with His own blood, He secured redemption of surpassing value (Hebrews 9:12).

Greater Glory to Come

“The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former” (Haggai 2:9) anticipates both the post-exilic temple and, ultimately, the indwelling of God among His people in Christ. Paul affirms that “this momentary light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory that is far beyond comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17), directing hope toward the consummation when faith becomes sight (Revelation 21:3-4).

Historical Reflection

Early church fathers saw the comparative term as a safeguard against both legalism and Gnosticism. By calling Christ “greater,” they upheld the continuity of revelation while insisting that fulfillment transcends shadow. Reformers drew on the same passages to argue for the sufficiency of Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice over the repeated offerings of the Mass.

Pastoral and Ministry Implications

• Worship: Adoration rises when the congregation contemplates the “greater glory” of the triune God.
• Preaching: Texts containing the comparative invite proclamation of Christ’s superiority over every rival savior or worldview.
• Discipleship: Believers are urged toward “greater love” and “greater works,” empowered by the indwelling Spirit rather than human effort.
• Mission: Confidence grows from the assurance that “He who is in you is greater,” emboldening witness in spiritually hostile contexts.
• Suffering: Trials are re-interpreted by the promise of “far better” (Philippians 1:23) realities ahead, sustaining perseverance.

Summary

While Strong’s 3185 does not appear as a standalone form in the New Testament text, the concept of μείζων permeates biblical revelation. From Genesis to Revelation, the Spirit employs the language of “greater” to magnify God’s attributes, exalt Christ’s redemptive work, and inspire the church to live in the supremacy of divine love and power.

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