πλείων, πλεῖον (pleiōn, pleion)
pleiōn, pleion
greater
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 44 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The word pleiōn is the comparative form of polys, meaning "many" or "much." It translates to "greater," "more," or "the majority." In the New Testament, it appears in contexts ranging from quantitative comparisons to qualitative superiority. For instance, Jesus uses it to describe a greater authority present than that of Jonah or Solomon (Matthew 12:41-42), indicating a status that surpasses previous figures.
It also functions as a substantive noun to refer to "the many" or "the majority." In Acts, this usage distinguishes the larger group from a smaller leadership or specific individuals. The sources note its frequent occurrence in Luke and Acts, where it often describes crowds or significant portions of a population, such as the "greater number" of ships in Acts 27:12. This dual role allows it to bridge simple quantity with theological weight, highlighting abundance and precedence.
Translators typically render pleiōn as "more" or "greater," though the context determines whether the emphasis is on size, degree, or excellence. The indeclinable neuter form pleion occasionally appears in adverbial phrases, adding nuance to comparisons of value or extent. Its consistent presence across the Gospels and Acts underscores a biblical theme where divine reality exceeds human expectation, often measured by this very term.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word pleiōn points us toward a reality that surpasses our usual expectations. It is not merely about having more in quantity, but about possessing something of higher value or significance. When Jesus speaks of being greater than Jonah or Solomon, He is inviting His followers to recognize that the presence of God among them is the most important thing in their lives.
This understanding brings comfort when we feel our resources are small. In the story of the widow’s offering, her gift was described as greater because it came from a place of complete trust rather than surplus wealth. The measure here is not the amount given, but the heart behind it. We are reminded that God values faithfulness and love over mere size or status.
As you navigate your own journey, consider where God might be calling you to look beyond the visible numbers. Whether in your relationships or your service, the quality of your devotion matters more than the quantity. Trust that what you offer with a sincere heart is seen and valued by Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 44 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- more14×
- greater5×
- many4×
- most3×
- further2×
- to more1×
- much;1×
- more than1×
- more and more1×
- many,1×
- many things1×
- majority,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πλεῖον13×
- πλείονα6×
- πλείονας5×
- πλειόνων4×
- πλέον3×
- πλεῖόν3×
- πλείοσιν2×
- πλείονες2×
- πλεῖον·1×
- πλεῖον,1×
- πλείονές1×
- πλείονος1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 12:41
The men of Nineveh will stand up in the judgment with this generation and will condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, someone greater than Jonah is here.
This verse establishes Jesus' superior authority by comparing His presence to the historical significance of Jonah.
-
Mark 12:43
He called his disciples to himself and said to them, “Most certainly I tell you, this poor widow gave more than all those who are giving into the treasury,
Here the term highlights that the widow's small contribution was actually greater than the large sums given by the wealthy due to her total sacrifice.
-
Luke 11:31
The Queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation and will condemn them, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, one greater than Solomon is here.
The comparison with Solomon emphasizes that Jesus' wisdom and kingdom surpass even the greatest achievements of Israel's past.
-
Matthew 5:20
For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.
Jesus uses this concept to show that true righteousness must exceed external religious performance to be acceptable to God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does pleiōn mean in the New Testament?
How is pleiōn different from polys?
Why is this word important in Matthew 12?
Every Occurrence (44 verses across 11 books)
Matthew 6 verses
For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter…
Matthew 6:25Therefore I tell you, don’t be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body,…
Matthew 12:41The men of Nineveh will stand up in the judgment with this generation and will condemn it, for they repented at the…
Matthew 12:42The Queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and will condemn it, for she came from the…
Matthew 20:10When the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise each received a denarius.
Matthew 21:36Again, he sent other servants more than the first; and they treated them the same way.