μεῖζον

greater, greatest

Definition

The word μεῖζον (meizon) is the neuter singular comparative form of the adjective μέγας (megas), meaning 'great' or 'large.' Its core meaning is 'greater' or 'larger,' and it can also function as a superlative, meaning 'greatest.' In the New Testament, it is used to compare degrees of importance, size, or significance. In its sole occurrence in Matthew 20:31, it describes the disciples' attempt to silence the blind men, with the crowd rebuking them 'all the more' or 'even more severely,' emphasizing an increase in intensity. While not used elsewhere in the NT, the comparative form appears in other contexts in Greek literature to denote superiority in rank, power, or magnitude.

Biblical Usage

μεῖζον is used only once in the New Testament, in Matthew 20:31. Here, it functions adverbially to intensify an action. The crowd rebukes the disciples 'μεῖζον'—more severely or with greater force—for trying to silence the blind men calling to Jesus. This adverbial usage highlights a comparative degree of the verb's action rather than a direct comparison of two nouns. Its rarity means there are no broad patterns, but its single use effectively conveys a heightened emotional or rhetorical response within a narrative context.

Etymology

μεῖζον derives from the Proto-Indo-European root *megʰ-, meaning 'great.' It is the neuter singular comparative form of the Greek adjective μέγας (megas, G3173), which means 'great, large.' The comparative suffix -ιζον indicates a greater degree. Cognates include the Latin 'magnus' and English words like 'mega-' and 'much.' The form developed regularly within Greek's comparative adjective system to express 'greater' in neuter contexts.

Semantic Range

While μεῖζον itself is not a theologically loaded term, its root (μέγας) and the concept of 'greatness' are central to biblical theology. Jesus teaches that 'the one who is least among you all is the one who is great' (Luke 9:48), inverting worldly standards. The 'greatest' commandment is to love God and neighbor (Matthew 22:36-38). Understanding this comparative form enriches reading by highlighting degrees of response, authority, or value, often subverting human expectations to reveal God's priorities, as seen even in the crowd's intensified rebuke in Matthew 20:31, which contrasts with the disciples' attempted suppression of desperate faith.

In the Greco-Roman world, comparative terms like μεῖζον were used in discussions of philosophy, rhetoric, and social hierarchy to denote superiority. A 'greater' argument, person, or force held more weight. In Matthew 20:31, the crowd's 'greater' rebuke reflects a cultural understanding of public shaming and social pressure to enforce community norms or, in this case, to correct what they perceived as the disciples' inappropriate behavior toward those seeking mercy.

μέγας (megas, G3173) — The positive form, meaning 'great' in size or importance. μείζων (meizōn, G3187) — The more common masculine/feminine comparative form, meaning 'greater,' used in significant theological statements (e.g., John 14:28). κρείττων (kreittōn, G2909) — Means 'better' or 'more excellent,' often comparing intrinsic quality or value rather than mere size or degree.

Word Details

Scripture References