3187. meizón
Lexical Summary
meizón: Greater, larger, more

Original Word: μείζων
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: meizón
Pronunciation: may-ZONE
Phonetic Spelling: (mide'-zone)
KJV: elder, greater(-est), more
Word Origin: [irregular comparative of G3173 (μέγας - great)]

1. larger (specially, in age)
{literally or figuratively}

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
elder, greater, more.

Irregular comparative of megas; larger (literally or figuratively, specially, in age) -- elder, greater(-est), more.

see GREEK megas

HELPS Word-studies

3187 meízōn (the comparative of 3173 /mégas) – greater. The exact sense of 3187 /meízōn ("greater") is only defined by the context, i.e. whether it means larger, older, etc.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
cptv. of megas, q.v.

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 3187: μείζων

μείζων, see μέγας, at the beginning

Topical Lexicon
Overview of the Comparative Idea

The term μείζων expresses comparison: one thing surpasses another in size, rank, authority, power, glory, or value. Scripture employs it to highlight divine supremacy, to elevate Christ above every earthly and heavenly counterpart, and to frame ethical priorities within the kingdom of God.

Old Testament Background (Septuagint)

In the Greek Old Testament the word repeatedly marks the pre-eminence of God’s works or persons He raises up:
Genesis 1:16 speaks of “the greater light to rule the day,” establishing a creation pattern where the greater governs.
Deuteronomy 4:7 points to Israel’s privilege: “What great nation is there that has a god so near?”—the nearness of the LORD is the people’s distinguishing greatness.

These and similar passages build a theological backdrop in which true greatness is measured by divine origin, covenant purpose, and service to God’s redemptive plan.

Christ as the “Greater” One

1. Greater than worship structures: “I tell you, something greater than the temple is here” (Matthew 12:6).
2. Greater than prophetic voices: “something greater than Jonah is here” (Matthew 12:41).
3. Greater than royal wisdom: “something greater than Solomon is here” (Matthew 12:42).
4. Greater than the forerunner: though John the Baptist is unsurpassed among those born of women, “yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (Matthew 11:11).
5. Greater than the world’s prince: “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4).
6. Greater than angels: Christ “has become as much superior to the angels as the name He has inherited is excellent beyond theirs” (Hebrews 1:4).

Through these statements Jesus is revealed as the climactic fulfillment of every Old Testament office and institution.

The Father’s Supreme Greatness

Jesus affirms both His unity with and subordination to the Father’s redemptive plan: “The Father is greater than I” (John 14:28). The declaration safeguards the distinction of Persons while confirming the Son’s voluntary submission in the incarnation. In Hebrews 6:13 the writer underscores that “He swore by Himself, since He had no one greater to swear by,” declaring the absolute supremacy of God’s own being.

“Greater” in the Ethics of Jesus

• Greatest commandment: wholehearted love for God and neighbor (Matthew 22:36-39).
• Kingdom greatness redefined: servanthood, not status, marks true eminence (Matthew 20:26-27).
• Mercy over ritual: “If you had known the meaning of ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the innocent” (Matthew 12:7), implying mercy is the greater priority.
• Love’s primacy: “Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love” (1 Corinthians 13:13).

“Greater” Promises and Covenants

Hebrews draws a chain of “better/greater” contrasts—greater priesthood (Hebrews 4:14), greater tabernacle (Hebrews 9:11), greater sacrifice (Hebrews 10:12)—all culminating in a covenant established on “better promises” (Hebrews 8:6). The superiority theme magnifies Christ’s once-for-all work and gives believers unshakable confidence.

“Greater” Works of the Church

John 14:12: “Whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing. He will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.” Post-ascension ministry empowered by the Spirit enables the gospel to reach nations and hearts on a scale surpassing the limited geography of Jesus’ earthly ministry. The greatness lies not in more spectacular miracles but in wider redemptive impact.

Pastoral and Ministry Application

• Pursue “the greater gifts” yet walk in love (1 Corinthians 12:31–13:13).
• Encourage believers that God “is greater than our hearts and knows all things” (1 John 3:20) when conscience condemns.
• Teach humility: the call to become “least” in order to be “great” (Matthew 18:4) counters worldly ambition.
• Strengthen assurance: no adversary can prevail, for “the Father who has given them to Me is greater than all” (John 10:29).

Historical and Patristic Witness

Early fathers echo the biblical emphasis:
• Irenaeus contrasts the “greatness of God” with the impotence of idols.
• Athanasius appeals to John 14:28 to defend both the deity of the Son and the Father’s monarchia.

In creeds and liturgy God is confessed as “greater than all,” reinforcing the church’s worship and doctrinal safeguards.

Summary

μείζων focuses the reader on ultimate comparisons that matter: God over all, Christ over every rival, love over all virtues, eternal realities over temporal pursuits. By tracing its scriptural usages, believers are led to honor the One who is supremely greater, to value kingdom priorities, and to serve with confidence that His power working through them will accomplish works that magnify His greatness until He returns.

Forms and Transliterations
μέλαθρα μέλαθρον μεμελαθρωμέναι
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
3186
Top of Page
Top of Page