Greatness is a recurrent theme that cuts across the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. It is illustrated in the lives of individuals, demonstrated in acts of service, and underscored in the divine majesty and power of God. The Bible uses narratives, teachings, prophecies, and illustrations to reveal the various dimensions, purpose, and pathways to greatness.
Who Defines Greatness in the Bible?
According to the Bible, God is the ultimate definer and giver of greatness. It demonstrates how God used ordinary people and elevated them to positions of greatness, like Moses and King David. This conveys the message that it is not the status, riches, or human standards that define greatness, but rather one’s relationship with God, faithfulness, and obedience to his commands.
What Does Greatness Look Like in the Bible?
The Bible portrays greatness in diverse ways. It can take the form of leadership, like Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt, or courage and valor, like David conquering Goliath. Additionally, it can be seen in the steadfastness of characters like Job and Ruth. Often, these illustrations of greatness do not align with worldly definitions, emphasizing that true greatness, according to the Bible, often appears in humble, selfless acts and a heart inclined to God. The Bible shows that greatness is not an end in itself, but it is a path that leads to the fulfillment of God’s plans and purposes.
Where Does Greatness Reside According to the Bible?
In contrast to worldly perspectives, the Bible places greatness within the reach of all mankind. It does not confine greatness to certain individuals, classes, or races. Instead, greatness, according to the Bible, is found in everyday life, in acts of kindness, in being a servant to all, in the humble obedience to God’s will, and in the fearless proclamation of his word. Additionally, greatness is found in God himself – in his power, wisdom, love, and supremacy over all creation.
Why is the Pursuit of Greatness Important in the Bible?
The Bible portrays the pursuit of greatness as valuable, but it refines this aspiration by clarifying its meaning and purpose. Instead of pursuing greatness for personal gain or pride, the Bible encourages the pursuit of greatness for the glory of God and the betterment of others. Those who exemplify greatness in the Bible often do so by sacrificing themselves, serving others, and embodying faith, hope, and love. This reveals that the act of pursuing greatness, in its truest sense, serves as a pathway towards manifesting God’s kingdom on Earth.
When Does the Bible Acknowledge Greatness?
The Bible acknowledges greatness at different times and in varied contexts. It is acknowledged in the lives of individuals who exemplify strong faith, courage, wisdom, and integrity, irrespective of their social standing or circumstances. The life of Joseph, for example, shows how greatness can be acknowledged in adversity. Even after being sold into slavery by his brothers, he rose to power in Egypt due to his wisdom and faith in God. Similarly, Jesus Christ exemplified greatness through his life, teachings, death, and resurrection, demonstrating how greatness is acknowledged in self-sacrifice, humble service, and complete obedience to God. In essence, the Bible acknowledges greatness when God’s will is fulfilled through human lives.
Below is the full list of bible verses on greatness (King James Version – KJV). The list is ranked in order of popularity and we hope you find the inspiration you need.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Greatness
Jeremiah 29:11
“11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
Related Themes: Hope New Beginnings Patience Frustration Life
Philippians 4:13
“13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Related Themes: Strength Omnipotence Self Confidence Life
Galatians 2:20
“20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
Romans 8:28
“28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Related Themes: Suffering Frustration Sovereignty Complaining Life
Deuteronomy 10:17
“17 For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:”
Related Themes: Homelessness Partiality Equality Favoritism
Psalm 71:21
“21 Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.”
Related Themes: Comfort
Genesis 1:26
“26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.”
Related Themes: Earth Omnipotence Earth Creativity
Romans 12:2
“2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Related Themes: Complaining Lust Creativity Attitude Business
John 3:16
“16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Life Love Money Omnipotence
Luke 7:28
“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.”
Matthew 20:28
“28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Related Themes: Serving Others Redemption Serving God Sacrifice
Luke 1:15
“15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother’s womb.”
Isaiah 40:26
“26 Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number: he calleth them all by names by the greatness of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.”
Related Themes: Earth Creativity Omnipotence Creation
Job 37:5
“5 God thundereth marvellously with his voice; great things doeth he, which we cannot comprehend.”
Related Themes: Creation
Matthew 18:1-5
“1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?2 And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them,3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.4 Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.5 And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me.”
Psalm 147:3
“3 He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.”
Related Themes: Loneliness Healing Health Abuse
Matthew 20:25-28
“25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Related Themes: Leadership Humility Equality
Isaiah 41:10
“10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”
Related Themes: Loneliness Frustration Hope Strength Healing
Psalm 8:6
“6 Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:”
Psalm 145:3
“3 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.”
Related Themes: Reverence
Matthew 23:10-12
“10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”
1 Chronicles 29:11
“11 Thine, O LORD, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O LORD, and thou art exalted as head above all.”
Related Themes: Sovereignty Earth Strength
Isaiah 61:1
“1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;”
Related Themes: Freedom Hope Justice Serving The Poor
Psalm 24:1-10
“1 A Psalm of David. The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.2 For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place?4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.5 He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.6 This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.7 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.8 Who is this King of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.9 Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in.10 Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah.”
Colossians 2:8
“8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”
Related Themes: Education Discernment Learning Wisdom
Numbers 14:19
“19 Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.”
Ephesians 3:20
“20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,”
Related Themes: Omnipotence Creativity Hope Humility
Isaiah 63:1
“1 Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.”
Related Themes: Omnipotence
Deuteronomy 9:26
“26 I prayed therefore unto the LORD, and said, O Lord GOD, destroy not thy people and thine inheritance, which thou hast redeemed through thy greatness, which thou hast brought forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand.”
Exodus 15:7
“7 And in the greatness of thine excellency thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath, which consumed them as stubble.”
