Matthew 11 11

Matthew 11:11 kjv

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.

Matthew 11:11 nkjv

"Assuredly, I say to you, among those born of women there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Matthew 11:11 niv

Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist; yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Matthew 11:11 esv

Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Matthew 11:11 nlt

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

Matthew 11 verses

Matthew 11 11 Meaning

Matthew 11:11 is a profound statement by Jesus Christ, acknowledging John the Baptist as the greatest prophet of the old dispensation, unequalled by any who came before him. This indicates John's pivotal role as the direct forerunner to the Messiah, culminating the Old Covenant prophetic tradition. However, the verse also presents a radical shift: it declares that even the least significant individual within the Kingdom of Heaven—the new order inaugurated by Christ—possesses a greater privilege, spiritual insight, and closeness to God than John. This is not a slight against John's personal piety or mission but highlights the surpassing grace, access, and revelation available under the New Covenant and within God's inaugurated Kingdom.

Matthew 11 11 Context

Matthew chapter 11 opens with John the Baptist, in prison, sending his disciples to Jesus to ask if He is "the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?" Jesus' reply (Matt 11:4-6) describes His works (healing, preaching, raising the dead) as evidence of His Messiahship, a fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecies (Isa 35:5-6, 61:1). Following this, Jesus addresses the crowds concerning John (Matt 11:7-19). He extols John's unique position as a prophet and specifically as the promised messenger and Elijah-like figure who prepared the way for the Messiah (Matt 11:9-10). Verse 11 is the pinnacle of this praise, acknowledging John's singular greatness, immediately followed by the significant distinction between John's era and the "kingdom of heaven" that He, Jesus, is inaugurating. This distinction sets the stage for the declaration about the violent taking of the kingdom and the concept that "all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John" (Matt 11:12-13), marking a clear chronological and theological shift in salvation history.

Matthew 11 11 Word analysis

• Truly (Greek: ἀμὴν, amēn): An emphatic affirmation used by Jesus frequently, underscoring the absolute truth and importance of the statement that follows. It signifies "Amen," "Verily," or "I tell you the truth."
• I say to you: Standard introduction for Jesus' authoritative pronouncements, stressing that this comes directly from divine authority.
• among those born of women (Greek: ἐν γεννητοῖς γυναικῶν, en gennētois gynaikōn): A common Hebraic idiom emphasizing human descent and universally including all of humanity without exception. It highlights that among all humanity throughout history, John held a supreme position as a prophet and preparer of the way. It emphasizes John's human nature while highlighting his unparalleled role among all humans prior to Christ.
• there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist: (Greek: οὐκ ἐγήγερται μείζων Ἰωάννου τοῦ βαπτιστοῦ, ouk egēgertai meizōn Iōannou tou baptistou): This is Jesus' profound commendation of John. "Greater" refers not just to moral character, but primarily to John's unique prophetic and historical role in salvation history as the direct forerunner of the Messiah. He bridged the Old and New Covenants, marking the end of the prophetic age and heralding the King Himself. He was the greatest because he not only spoke of the Messiah but directly pointed to Him and baptized Him.
• Yet (Greek: ὁ δέ, ho de): A strong adversative conjunction, introducing a contrast or qualification that is striking.
• the one who is least (Greek: ὁ δὲ μικρότερος, ho de mikroteros): This signifies one who is small, insignificant, humble, or of lowest standing. It's a striking juxtaposition to "greatest." This term emphasizes humility and spiritual condition rather than worldly status. It could refer to someone of humble spiritual insight or position within the new kingdom, or even potentially someone chronologically born later, thus into the Kingdom era.
• in the kingdom of heaven (Greek: ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ τῶν οὐρανῶν, en tē basileia tōn ouranōn): A central theme in Matthew, synonymous with "Kingdom of God." It refers to God's divine reign, now actively present through Christ's ministry, culminating in His final redemptive acts. This kingdom transcends earthly political or social structures, characterized by spiritual authority, new righteousness, and God's saving power. Membership implies acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Savior.
• is greater than he: (Greek: μείζων αὐτοῦ ἐστιν, meizōn autou estin): The second part of the shocking contrast. This "greater" refers not to moral or personal superiority over John, but to the privileged position, enhanced spiritual blessings, clearer revelation, direct access to God, and empowering presence of the Holy Spirit available to those who enter the new covenant through Christ. Believers in the Kingdom participate in the fulfillment that John merely pointed to, inheriting direct sonship and the benefits of Christ's accomplished work. John, though great, stood on the threshold; those in the Kingdom step over it into the new reality.

Matthew 11 11 Bonus section

The profound implications of Matt 11:11 lie in its illumination of redemptive history. It signals a major theological watershed, delineating between the Old and New Covenant eras. John the Baptist serves as the final, and most distinguished, figure of the Old Covenant, concluding the line of prophets and preparing for the new. Yet, the Kingdom of Heaven represents a new reality that brings forth superior blessings and spiritual status. It highlights the eschatological 'already' of God's Kingdom, meaning the Kingdom's saving power and new-era realities are already present in Christ, even if not fully realized in glory (the 'not yet'). This is why even the humblest believer, living under the full light of Christ's revelation and the Spirit's indwelling, experiences a 'greater' reality than the mightiest Old Testament saint who merely anticipated these blessings. It emphasizes that salvation history moved from prophecy and expectation to fulfillment and active participation through Christ.

Matthew 11 11 Commentary

Matthew 11:11 stands as a powerful declaration of discontinuity and elevation in God's redemptive plan. Jesus identifies John the Baptist as the apex of Old Covenant prophecy and preparation, uniquely positioned to announce the imminent arrival of the Messiah. John was the human crescendo of God's saving acts under the Old Covenant, unparalleled in his prophetic call and direct role as the "Elijah" who prepared the way for the Lord. He represents the very best of what came before the Kingdom's full inauguration.

However, the second part of the verse, introduced by the stark "yet," shifts perspective dramatically. It declares that even the least significant member of the "kingdom of heaven" surpasses John. This "greater" is not a judgment on John's character, faith, or salvific status. Rather, it signifies the profound spiritual advantages of living within the inaugurated Kingdom. Those who are part of this new dispensation have the benefit of seeing the Messiah, understanding His complete work of salvation (His life, death, resurrection), receiving the Holy Spirit, having direct access to God as Abba Father, and living under a New Covenant of grace and internal law. They possess a revelation and an experience of God that was unavailable to those, even the greatest like John, who stood on the precipice. John prophesied of the Messiah's coming, but the "least" in the Kingdom experience the indwelling Spirit of the one who has already come, bringing unparalleled spiritual proximity and clarity. It underscores that spiritual privilege and status in God's Kingdom are based not on merit or prophetic lineage, but on inclusion in Christ's new work.

• Practical Example: A student diligently studies for years to become a doctor (like John the Baptist diligently prepared for Christ's coming). Once they are accepted into medical school (the Kingdom of Heaven), even the first-year student (the 'least' in the kingdom) has direct access to medical resources, lectures from renowned professors, and the ongoing, practical learning experience of medicine that was not fully available to the pre-medical student, no matter how brilliant.
• Practical Example: A tour guide prepares people for a grand scenic vista (John preparing for Jesus). He describes it perfectly and his reputation is legendary for his descriptions. Yet, anyone who steps directly onto the viewpoint itself, no matter how uninitiated (the "least" in the Kingdom), has a direct experience of the view that surpasses simply hearing about it, no matter how excellent the description.