μεῖζον
meîzon
G3185
SILEX Entry
Definition
Comparative form meaning 'greater,' primarily denoting something that exceeds another in magnitude, importance, degree, or extent. As a neuter substantive, it means 'the greater thing' or 'what is greater.' Used adverbially, it expresses 'to a greater extent,' 'all the more,' or 'especially.'
Semantic Range
greater, larger, of more importance, exceeding, to a greater degree, especially, all the more
Root / Etymology
μεῖζον is the neuter accusative singular (and sometimes nominative plural) comparative of μείζων, itself the comparative form of μέγας ('great'). Ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European root *meg- ('great, large').
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Koine Greek (including the Septuagint and New Testament), μεῖζον is used as a neuter comparative to indicate that something surpasses another in size, value, or degree, frequently occurring in set phrases (e.g., 'τι μεῖζον τούτου' – 'something greater than this'). Although structurally neuter, it may function substantivally as 'the greater thing' or adverbially as 'all the more.' The classical usage as a straightforward comparative continues in the Hellenistic period, but the New Testament tends to employ μεῖζον in moral, spiritual, or eschatological comparisons (e.g., ἀγάπη δὲ μείζων αὐτῶν – 'love is greater than these'). Standard English translations often render μεῖζον as 'greater,' but context may require more nuance, especially when it stands alone as a substantive or an adverbial modifier. It should not be confused with the superlative or with other words indicating simple increase or addition; rather, it points specifically to comparison exceeding another referent. The term retains consistent meaning from earlier Greek into the Koine, with only contextual adaptation in nuance.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
neuter of μείζων; (adverbially) in greater degree:--the more.
Root Family
μεγ- (mégas) — great, large, mighty, intense, important
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G3173 | μέγας | great thing |
| G3174 | μέγεθος | greatness |
| G3176 | μέγιστος | greatest things |
| G3187 | μείζων | greater things |
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.