μᾶλλον (mallon)
mallon
more
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 81 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb mallon means "more" or "to a greater degree," serving as the comparative form of the intensifier mala. In the New Testament, it functions to amplify an action or quality, indicating that one thing exceeds another in intensity or extent. It appears frequently in the Gospels and Pauline epistles, often paired with qualifiers like "much" or "how much more" to build logical arguments about God’s character or human behavior.
Its usage extends beyond simple quantity into the realm of preference or choice. Translators often render it as "rather" when it signals a priority, such as in John 3:19, where people loved darkness rather than light. This nuance highlights a deliberate weighing of options, where one path is chosen over another not just because it is bigger, but because it is preferred. Paul uses this sense in Philippians 1:23 to describe his desire to depart and be with Christ, framing it as the preferable option over remaining in the body.
The word’s theological weight lies in its ability to escalate spiritual truths. In Romans 5:15, Paul argues that the grace of God abounds "much more" than sin, using mallon to emphasize the overwhelming superiority of divine mercy. This comparative force allows Scripture to move from observation to conviction, showing that God’s gifts are not merely equal to human failings but infinitely surpass them.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mallon carries a gentle but firm weight in Scripture, often pointing us toward what truly matters most. It is not merely about quantity, but about priority and preference. When Jesus uses this comparative form, He invites us to weigh our choices against eternal realities, helping us see that some paths offer deeper peace than others.
In John 3:19, the text notes that people loved darkness rather than light. This is not just a statement of fact but a reflection of the heart’s direction. We are called to examine where our affections lie, recognizing that choosing the light brings freedom and clarity. It is an invitation to align our desires with God’s truth.
Paul also uses this term to highlight the surpassing nature of grace. In Romans 5:15, he argues that God’s gift is much greater than our sin. This assurance reminds us that no failure exceeds the reach of divine mercy. We can rest in the knowledge that God’s love is not limited by our shortcomings but overflows beyond them.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 81 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- more33×
- rather31×
- [the] more3×
- rather,2×
- more:2×
- still more1×
- really1×
- rather.1×
- much1×
- more;1×
- more and more1×
- more [is]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μᾶλλον77×
- μᾶλλον·3×
- μᾶλλον,2×
- μᾶλλον.1×
Key Verses
-
John 3:19
This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light, for their works were evil.
This verse uses mallon to contrast two loves, showing how the word signals a preference for darkness over light due to evil deeds.
-
Matthew 6:30
But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today exists and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, won’t he much more clothe you, you of little faith?
Here, Jesus employs the comparative to assure believers of God’s greater care for them compared to the transient grass.
-
Luke 11:13
If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”
The term emphasizes that the heavenly Father gives the Holy Spirit much more generously than earthly parents give good gifts.
-
Mark 5:26
and had suffered many things by many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better, but rather grew worse,
This occurrence highlights a worsening condition, using mallon to show that medical efforts resulted in no improvement but rather decline.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does mallon mean in Greek?
How is mallon different from other words for 'more'?
Where does this word appear most often?
Why is it called a comparative form?
Every Occurrence (81 verses across 17 books)
Matthew 9 verses
See the birds of the sky, that they don’t sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds…
Matthew 6:30But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today exists and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, won’t he much…
Matthew 7:11If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven…
Matthew 10:6Rather, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
Matthew 10:25It is enough for the disciple that he be like his teacher, and the servant like his lord. If they have called the…
Matthew 10:28Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy…
Matthew 18:13If he finds it, most certainly I tell you, he rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone…
Matthew 25:9But the wise answered, saying, ‘What if there isn’t enough for us and you? You go rather to those who sell, and buy for…
Matthew 27:24So when Pilate saw that nothing was being gained, but rather that a disturbance was starting, he took water and washed…