For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.

LUKE 7:28KJV
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Luke 7:28 (KJV)

What does Luke 7:28 mean?

In Luke 7:28, Jesus gives John the Baptist the highest praise among prophets born before him. Yet Jesus also says that even the least person in the kingdom of God is greater than John. The contrast points to the importance of sharing in God’s kingdom, rather than to a ranking of personal worth.

Jesus is speaking to a crowd after John’s messengers have left. “Born of women” is a way of speaking about human beings. The “kingdom of God” refers to God’s rule; Jesus places John’s greatness alongside the greater standing of those who share in that kingdom.

The Greek behind Luke 7:28

  • “greater” — μείζων (meizōn): This word expresses a comparison of greatness or standing. Jesus uses the comparison first for John and then for the least person in God’s kingdom.
  • “least” — μικρότερος (mikroteros): This word carries the sense of being smaller or lesser. Jesus pairs the lesser person with the surprising claim that such a person is greater than John.
  • “kingdom” — βασιλεία (basileia): This word can refer to rule or royal authority, as well as a kingdom. Here the phrase points to God’s rule rather than simply a place on a map.

Why Luke 7:28 matters

  • John’s role helps explain Jesus’ praise. In the preceding verse, Jesus identifies John as the messenger who prepares the way ahead of him.
  • The contrast is not between John and only the most prominent people in God’s kingdom. Jesus deliberately says “he that is least,” making the comparison especially striking.
  • John’s own question forms part of the setting. Earlier in the passage, John sends messengers to ask Jesus if he is the one who was to come; Jesus’ praise follows their departure.

Where else these words appear

“born” Greek G1084 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

“Baptist” Greek G910 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
  • Matthew 14:8 And she, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist's head in a charger.
  • Mark 6:25 And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.

“least” Greek G3398 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 10:42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
  • Luke 9:48 And said unto them, Whosoever shall receive this child in my name receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me receiveth him that sent me: for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great.
  • Hebrews 8:11 And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest.

“greater” Greek G3187 · used in 42 verses

  • Matthew 11:11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
  • Luke 22:24 And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest.
  • John 19:11 Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.