King James Version

What Does Luke 7:28 Mean?

Luke 7:28 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Luke chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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 · KJV

Context

26

But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and much more than a prophet.

27

This is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee.

28

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.

29

And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.

30

But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him. rejected: or, frustrated against: or, within themselves

Read Luke 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The people's response: 'And all the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John' (Greek 'eikaiosan ton theon baptisthentes to baptismati Ioannou'). The phrase 'justified God' (edikaiosan) means declared God righteous—acknowledged His justice and wisdom in sending John. Receiving John's baptism demonstrated agreement with God's diagnosis (we're sinners needing repentance) and prescription (repentance and faith). The inclusion of 'publicans' (tax collectors)—despised as traitors and extortioners—shows gospel's reach to society's margins. Those lacking religious pedigree often prove more receptive than religious elite. Reformed theology recognizes that salvation comes to unlikely candidates—not the self-righteous but those aware of need. Jesus declared 'I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance' (Luke 5:32).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Tax collectors (telonai) collected taxes for Rome, often extorting beyond required amounts. Jews viewed them as collaborators with oppressors and ceremonially unclean through Gentile contact. That tax collectors received John's baptism demonstrated genuine repentance—acknowledging sin, seeking forgiveness. Pharisees, conversely, considered themselves righteous, needing no repentance. This pattern continued in Jesus's ministry—sinners and tax collectors received Him; religious leaders rejected Him. Early church similarly found greatest response among poor, slaves, outcasts; Roman elite largely resisted. Paul wrote 'not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called' (1 Corinthians 1:26). Modern application includes recognizing that religious background and moral respectability sometimes hinder rather than help conversion.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to 'justify God,' and how does receiving baptism demonstrate this?
  2. Why did tax collectors and sinners often respond to John and Jesus while religious leaders resisted?
  3. How might religious background and moral respectability hinder rather than help conversion?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
λέγω1 of 24

“I say”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

γὰρ2 of 24

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ὑμῖν3 of 24

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

μείζων4 of 24

“a greater”

G3187

larger (literally or figuratively, specially, in age)

ἐν5 of 24

“Among”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

γεννητοῖς6 of 24

“those that are born”

G1084

born

γυναικῶν7 of 24

“of women”

G1135

a woman; specially, a wife

προφήτης8 of 24

“prophet”

G4396

a foreteller ("prophet"); by analogy, an inspired speaker; by extension, a poet

Ἰωάννου9 of 24

“John”

G2491

joannes (i.e., jochanan), the name of four israelites

τοῦ10 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βαπτιστοῦ11 of 24

“the Baptist”

G910

a baptizer, as an epithet of christ's forerunner

οὐδείς12 of 24

“not”

G3762

not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing

ἐστιν13 of 24

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ὁ14 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ15 of 24

“but”

G1161

but, and, etc

μικρότερος16 of 24

“he that is least”

G3398

small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity)

ἐν17 of 24

“Among”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ18 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

βασιλείᾳ19 of 24

“the kingdom”

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

τοῦ20 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ21 of 24

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

μείζων22 of 24

“a greater”

G3187

larger (literally or figuratively, specially, in age)

αὐτοῦ23 of 24

“he”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐστιν24 of 24

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 7:28 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 7:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 11:39-40Matthew 11:11Matthew 13:16-17Colossians 1:25-27Ephesians 3:8-9Luke 9:48

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