Matthew 12:6
λέγω δὲ ὑμῖν ὅτι τοῦ ἱεροῦ μεῖζόν ἐστιν ὧδε.
Focus Topic: Elative Comparison and Implied Subject
This concise and powerful statement by Jesus uses a partitive genitive, a comparative adjective without a stated noun, and a locative adverb to make a theologically bold declaration. The grammar emphasizes both contrast and presence.
Main Verb: λέγω
λέγω is present active indicative, 1st person singular — “I say.” The phrase λέγω δὲ ὑμῖν (“but I say to you”) is characteristic of Jesus’ authoritative teaching style, introducing a corrective or revelatory truth.
Content Clause: ὅτι… μεῖζόν ἐστιν ὧδε
ὅτι introduces the content of what Jesus is saying — “that something greater than the temple is here.”
Comparative Construction: τοῦ ἱεροῦ μεῖζόν
- τοῦ ἱεροῦ — genitive neuter singular, from ἱερόν (“temple”). Functions as a partitive genitive in comparison.
- μεῖζόν — comparative adjective, neuter singular from μέγας (“great”). The implied subject is “something” or “someone” (understood as Jesus himself).
In Greek, comparatives often omit the noun being compared when the meaning is clear from context — here, the “greater” is Jesus, in comparison to the temple.
Verb of Being: ἐστιν
ἐστιν is present active indicative, 3rd person singular, from εἰμί — “is.” It links the implied subject (“something”) with its comparative quality (“greater than the temple”).
Locative Emphasis: ὧδε
ὧδε is an adverb meaning “here, in this place.” It emphasizes presence — the greater one is not coming, but is already present among them.
Key Observations
- μεῖζόν… τοῦ ἱεροῦ is a comparative structure with the genitive of comparison.
- The implied subject is Jesus, not named directly but contextually clear.
- ὧδε grounds the statement in immediacy — Jesus is greater than the temple and is already “here.”
- This construction reflects profound Christological significance packed into a few words.
Syntax that Declares Supremacy
The grammar of this verse compresses high theology into minimal syntax. A verbless comparative construction and a single adverb deliver a clear claim: Jesus is greater than the temple, and he is already present. The elision of the subject invites the reader to infer — and be confronted by — the identity of the one who stands “here.”
