Luke 7 28

Luke 7:28 kjv

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 7:28 nkjv

For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."

Luke 7:28 niv

I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."

Luke 7:28 esv

I tell you, among those born of women none is greater than John. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."

Luke 7:28 nlt

I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is!"

Luke 7 verses

Luke 7 28 Meaning

Luke 7:28 records Jesus' profound statement regarding John the Baptist's unparalleled prophetic role, while simultaneously exalting the transformative privileges bestowed upon those within the Kingdom of God. It signifies John's ultimate status as the greatest prophet of the Old Covenant era, concluding its dispensation, yet asserts that even the seemingly least person who enters into God's new covenant Kingdom experiences a superior spiritual reality and intimate access to God made possible through Christ's finished work.

Luke 7 28 Context

Luke 7:28 stands within a larger discourse by Jesus concerning John the Baptist, prompted by John's disciples inquiring if Jesus was "the One who is to come." Following John's imprisonment, he sent his disciples to ask Jesus this crucial question (Lk 7:18-20). Jesus responds by citing His works, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecies (Lk 7:21-23), indicating He is indeed the Messiah. After John's disciples depart, Jesus begins to speak to the crowds about John, praising his significant, divinely appointed role. He describes John as more than a prophet, but as the messenger foretold in Malachi who would prepare the way for the Lord (Lk 7:24-27). Verse 28 serves as the apex of this commendation, establishing John's ultimate greatness within the preceding dispensation, yet immediately transitioning to highlight the even greater spiritual standing of those who embrace the new Kingdom reality. Historically, John functioned as the climactic prophet marking the transition from the Old Covenant's Law and Prophets to the dawning of God's Kingdom through Christ.

Luke 7 28 Word analysis

• I tell you (λέγω ὑμῖν - lego humin): This is Jesus' authoritative pronouncement. It signifies that what follows is a significant and true statement from divine revelation, demanding attention. It's a hallmark of His direct teaching.
• among those born of women (ἐν γεννητοῖς γυναικῶν - en gennetois gynaikon): This phrase universally refers to all humanity, emphasizing the common human birth. It means "of all people who have ever lived." It highlights John's extraordinary standing within the sphere of human history and God's interaction with humanity prior to the Kingdom's full inauguration.
• there is no one greater than John (οὐδεὶς μείζων Ἰωάννου - oudeis meizōn Iōannou): This declares John's singular and supreme prophetic standing in God's plan up to that point. He is the culminating figure of the Old Testament prophetic tradition, the final messenger announcing the Messiah's immediate arrival. His "greatness" is rooted in his unique divine assignment as the forerunner.
• yet (δὲ - de): This conjunction acts as a strong adversative, introducing a contrasting or paradoxical idea. It signals a major shift in the standard of "greatness" and the scope of God's plan.
• the one who is least (ὁ ἐλάχιστος - ho elachistos): Refers to the "smallest," "most insignificant," or "humblest" person. In the context of the Kingdom, this often speaks to a radical redefinition of status. Here, it does not refer to one who is spiritually deficient, but rather any individual, no matter their perceived earthly status, who is now a part of God's New Covenant Kingdom.
• in the kingdom of God (ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ τοῦ Θεοῦ - en tē basileia tou Theou): This phrase is critical, defining the sphere of the "greater" status. The "Kingdom of God" refers to God's redemptive reign and rule, inaugurated through Jesus' first advent. It encompasses a spiritual reality marked by repentance, faith in Christ, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Entry into this Kingdom grants new spiritual privileges and a direct relationship with God that surpasses even that of Old Covenant prophets.
• is greater than he (μείζων αὐτοῦ ἐστιν - meizōn autou estin): This is the shocking paradox. The "least" Kingdom citizen is "greater" than John. This "greatness" is not about personal character or inherent worth but about privilege and proximity to God's full salvation. New Covenant believers possess benefits John merely announced and anticipated: Christ's accomplished work, the indwelling Holy Spirit, forgiveness of sins, direct access to God, and participation in the fullness of God's saving reign. John was the "best of the old," but believers in Christ are "partakers of the new."

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John": This clause sets John apart as the zenith of humanity's direct interaction with God's prophetic purpose before the Christ event. His life and ministry culminate the expectations and prophecies of the Old Covenant, acting as the bridge to the Messiah. It underscores his unparalleled mission from God in preparing the way for Jesus.
• "yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he": This introduces the profound theological shift from the Old to the New Covenant. It means that the New Covenant (the Kingdom) brings about such a transformative change in God's relationship with humanity that even a seemingly humble participant in it has privileges and blessings that surpass the highest of the Old Covenant prophets. This "greater" status is based on their intimate connection to the completed work of Christ and the empowering indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which was not available in the same measure or universally to Old Testament believers.

Luke 7 28 Bonus section

• The paradox highlights a crucial shift in salvation history, emphasizing the superiority of the New Covenant mediated by Christ over the Old. It shows that even the most privileged position under the Old Covenant (John the Baptist's) pales in comparison to the common blessings available under the New.
• This verse implicitly speaks to the finished work of Christ. John proclaimed the coming Messiah, but it is through the cross and resurrection that the full blessings of the Kingdom, including the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2), become available to all believers.
• The concept of "least" also resonates with Jesus' teachings on humility, where true greatness in God's eyes often means self-abasement and dependence on God (cf. Matt 18:4, 23:11-12). In this verse, "least" doesn't necessarily mean lacking spiritual stature but highlights the unexpected source of privilege.
• The Jewish religious leaders of Jesus' day esteemed John the Baptist highly, often viewing him as a great prophet (Lk 7:29-30). Jesus' statement would have been particularly striking to them, indicating that even their revered prophet belonged to a past era of salvation history compared to the glorious new era dawning through Jesus.

Luke 7 28 Commentary

Luke 7:28 is a profound statement by Jesus that affirms John the Baptist's unique and ultimate prophetic status while simultaneously proclaiming the superior blessings of the New Covenant Kingdom. John stands as the last and greatest prophet of the Old Testament dispensation, commissioned to announce the imminent arrival of the Messiah. His "greatness" lies in his unique historical position as the divine messenger fulfilling Malachi's prophecy, preparing Israel for the Lord. However, the seemingly paradoxical second half of the verse redefines greatness based on one's position within the Kingdom of God, inaugurated by Jesus. Those who are "least" within this Kingdom — referring to any believer by grace through faith — are "greater" than John, not in personal merit or spiritual fortitude, but in the spiritual privileges they enjoy. They experience the accomplished work of Christ: redemption, forgiveness, adoption, and, crucially, the indwelling and empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, enabling a direct and intimate relationship with God previously unimaginable or only experienced by select prophets. John stood outside the full reality of the New Covenant blessings, announcing them but not fully participating in them until Christ's completed work. This verse, therefore, is not a diminishing of John but a glorious elevation of the grace and access afforded to every believer in Christ through the New Covenant. It highlights the immense privilege of being a citizen in God's Kingdom.