Ever wondered what it truly means to be great? The Bible offers profound insights into greatness, teaching us that true greatness is rooted in humility, service, and love. Join us as we explore some of the most inspiring verses that redefine what it means to be truly great in God’s eyes.
Bible Verses About Greatness
Matthew 20:26-28 – True greatness is measured by our service to others
“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Matthew 20:26-28
Mark 9:35 – To be the greatest, we must embrace humility
“Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, ‘Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.'” – Mark 9:35
Luke 22:26 – Greatness in the kingdom is about serving others
“But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves.” – Luke 22:26
James 4:10 – Humbling ourselves leads to true exaltation
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” – James 4:10
1 Peter 5:6 – God will elevate the humble at the right time
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” – 1 Peter 5:6
Matthew 23:11-12 – The greatest among us are those who serve
“The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Matthew 23:11-12
Philippians 2:3-4 – We should prioritize others over ourselves for greatness
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:3-4
Proverbs 22:4 – Humility and the fear of the Lord lead to honor
“Humility is the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.” – Proverbs 22:4
Galatians 5:13 – We were called to serve one another in love
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13
Mark 10:43-45 – Greatness is exemplified through Christ’s example of servanthood
“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.” – Mark 10:43-45
Proverbs 18:12 – Before honor, there must be humility
“Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.” – Proverbs 18:12
Matthew 5:19 – Teaching and practicing God’s commands leads to greatness
“Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:19
Luke 1:52 – God elevates the humble and brings down the proud
“He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.” – Luke 1:52
Isaiah 66:2 – God looks favorably upon those who are humble and contrite
“Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the Lord. “These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.” – Isaiah 66:2
Romans 12:3 – Each of us should have a proper view of our own greatness
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” – Romans 12:3
Matthew 18:4 – Becoming like a child is the pathway to greatness
“Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 18:4
Proverbs 3:34 – God gives grace to the humble
“He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed.” – Proverbs 3:34
Luke 14:11 – Elevation comes through humility in God’s eyes
“For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” – Luke 14:11
Matthew 5:3 – The poor in spirit are counted among the greatest
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:3
1 Corinthians 15:10 – God’s grace enables true greatness
“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” – 1 Corinthians 15:10
Luke 9:48 – Serving the least signifies our understanding of greatness
“Then he said to them, ‘Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For it is the one who is least among you all who is the greatest.'” – Luke 9:48
Proverbs 11:2 – Wisdom and humility walk hand in hand with greatness
“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” – Proverbs 11:2
Matthew 5:10 – Persecution for righteousness is a mark of greatness
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:10
Revelation 3:21 – Christ promises to grant the overcomers a seat with Him
“To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.” – Revelation 3:21
Ecclesiastes 5:12 – A humble life fosters true contentment
“The sleep of a laborer is sweet, whether they eat little or much, but as for the rich, their abundance permits them no sleep.” – Ecclesiastes 5:12
Psalm 147:6 – God lifts up the humble but casts the wicked down
“The Lord sustains the humble but casts the wicked to the ground.” – Psalm 147:6
1 Samuel 2:7-8 – God can reverse fortunes and elevate the humble
“The Lord sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor.” – 1 Samuel 2:7-8
Colossians 3:23-24 – The spirit of servanthood leads to receiving a reward
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” – Colossians 3:23-24
Also Read: 30 Bible Verses About Drinking In Moderation
What Does the Bible Say About Greatness?
When we explore the Bible to understand what it says about greatness, we uncover a distinct perspective that often stands in contrast to worldly views. According to the Scriptures, greatness is not defined by power, status, or wealth but by humility, service, and love for others.
In the New Testament, Jesus Himself redefines greatness. As He teaches us in the Gospel of Mark, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Here, Jesus flips the status quo by emphasizing that true greatness lies in serving others and putting their needs above our own. This radical teaching challenges us to redefine our ambitions and measure our success not by personal achievements but by the impact we have on others.
Furthermore, in the account of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet in the Gospel of John, He provides us with a powerful example of humble service. Jesus, despite being the Son of God, kneels to wash the feet of His disciples, demonstrating that genuine greatness is marked by acts of humble service and love. Through this act, He invites us to understand that no task is too humble if it is done in love and service to others.
Additionally, the Apostle Paul, in his letters, repeatedly encourages us to follow Christ’s example of humility and service. For instance, in Philippians, he reminds us to “do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” Paul’s teachings reinforce the idea that greatness in the eyes of God is directly linked to humility and selflessness.
The Old Testament also provides insights into true greatness. King Solomon, known for his wisdom, wealth, and power, concluded that fearing God and keeping His commandments is the duty of all mankind. This wisdom literature urges us to seek a relationship with God and live according to His principles rather than pursuing earthly accolades.
In essence, the Bible encourages us to seek greatness by embodying humility, practicing selfless service, and fostering a deep relationship with God. By doing so, we align ourselves with the values of God’s kingdom, where the last shall be first, and the humble and meek are exalted. Let us, therefore, strive to be great in the way God defines greatness, by serving others with love and humility.