Λέγω γὰρ ὑμῖν, μείζων ἐν γεννητοῖς γυναικῶν προφήτης Ἰωάννου τοῦ βαπτιστοῦ οὐδείς ἐστιν· ὁ δὲ μικρότερος ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ τοῦ Θεοῦ μείζων αὐτοῦ ἐστι. (Luke 7:28)
The Testimony of the Lord: A Declaration of Paradox
Luke 7:28 records Jesus’ striking pronouncement about John the Baptist, praising him as unparalleled among those born of women — and yet introducing a paradox: the least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he. This verse is not only theologically rich but grammatically artful, constructed with comparative and superlative adjectives, genitive constructions, and syntactic inversion that mirror the surprising inversion of status in the Kingdom.
Direct Speech Formula: λέγω γὰρ ὑμῖν
The verse opens with a typical solemn declaration:
λέγω γὰρ ὑμῖν
“For I say to you”
– λέγω is present active indicative, 1st person singular — an authoritative present declaration.
– γὰρ introduces the explanation or basis for what precedes.
– ὑμῖν is dative plural — “to you,” showing the audience is plural and directly addressed.
This phrase serves as a discourse marker — alerting us that what follows is not casual but revelatory.
John’s Unique Status: μείζων ἐν γεννητοῖς γυναικῶν
μείζων ἐν γεννητοῖς γυναικῶν
“greater among those born of women”
– μείζων is a comparative adjective of μέγας — “greater.” Used substantivally here.
– ἐν γεννητοῖς γυναικῶν is a partitive construction:
– ἐν + dative plural γεννητοῖς — “among those born”
– γυναικῶν is a genitive of source — “of women.”
This is a Semitic-style idiom meaning “all human beings.” So Jesus declares: Among all human beings, none is greater than John.
προφήτης Ἰωάννου τοῦ βαπτιστοῦ οὐδείς ἐστιν
– προφήτης is the implied subject complement.
– οὐδείς (“no one”) is the subject.
– ἐστιν is present indicative — “there is.”
The structure is emphatic: No one [has arisen as] a greater prophet than John the Baptist.
The Kingdom Reversal: ὁ δὲ μικρότερος… μείζων αὐτοῦ ἐστι
The second half overturns expectations:
ὁ δὲ μικρότερος ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ τοῦ Θεοῦ μείζων αὐτοῦ ἐστι.
“But the one who is least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he.”
– ὁ μικρότερος: comparative adjective used substantivally — “the least one”
– ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ τοῦ Θεοῦ: a prepositional phrase defining sphere — “in the Kingdom of God”
– μείζων αὐτοῦ ἐστι: repetition of the comparative adjective “greater,” this time in direct comparison with John.
Theological Reflection:
The syntax mirrors the kingdom inversion Jesus so often declares: earthly greatness is not the same as Kingdom greatness. John is the pinnacle of prophetic ministry, yet the new era of the Kingdom — inaugurated by Jesus — introduces a new hierarchy based on participation in Christ, not prophetic anticipation.
Table: Comparative and Superlative Structures
| Greek Phrase | Grammatical Form | Function | Interpretive Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| μείζων | Comparative adjective (masc. nom. sg.) | Describes John’s greatness | Sets John as benchmark among humans |
| ἐν γεννητοῖς γυναικῶν | Prepositional phrase + genitive of source | Defines the group for comparison | Universal human reference — “those born of women” |
| μικρότερος | Comparative adjective (subst. masc. nom. sg.) | Describes someone “least” in Kingdom | Marks a reversal of expected spiritual status |
| μείζων αὐτοῦ | Comparative adjective + genitive | Expresses superiority over John | Contrasts old covenant greatness with new covenant glory |
Greater by Grace: Glory in the Kingdom
The grammar of Luke 7:28 carries its theology. The repetition of μείζων both praises and relativizes. John stands alone in redemptive history — the final prophet of the old era — yet even he is exceeded by the least member of the new covenant order.
This verse teaches that spiritual greatness is redefined in the Kingdom. It is not built on prophetic pedigree, but on proximity to Jesus. And the “least” — the overlooked, the broken, the humble disciple — may yet be greater, not in self, but in standing within the reign of God.
Jesus turns the scales. Grammar becomes theology. And the Kingdom reorders what we thought we knew.
