Reply: But the text does not say that this only refers to Christ when he was on earth. This is a 4th century interpretation read back into this verse. Jesus showed us how to use this same Greek word right in the next chapter, "Remember the word that I said unto you, A servant is not greater than his lord." A relationship between servant and his lord is one of rank, authority and superiority.
Is this the same for Jn 14:28? In the Grimm-Thayer Lexicon, it says of John 14:28 that MEIZON "is used of those who surpass others-either in nature and power, as God"p. 395
The same word is used at John 1:50. "Jesus said...thou shalt see greater things than these."
Then Jesus continues, "And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye shall see the heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man." Is heaven not BETTER than anything we have yet seen?
I also detest the use of the word ESSENCE. This word is not in any of the literal Bibles that I use. The use of this word is philosophical speculation...it is not Biblical.
Ron Rhodes adds: Now, it is important that you emphasize the distinction between Greek words for greater (meizon) and better (kreitton). Jesus specifically said, "The Father is greater than I" not, "The Father is better than I." The word "greater" is used to point to the Father's greater position (in heaven), not a greater nature. Had the word "better" been used, however, this would indicate that the Father has a better nature than Jesus.
This distinction is made clear in Hebrews 1:4, where "better" is used in regard to Jesus' superiority over the angels. The word "better" in this verse indicates that Jesus is not just higher than the angels positionally; rather, He is higher than the angels in His very nature. Jesus is different (better) in kind and in nature from the angels.
This distinction between "greater" and "better" can be illustrated in the president of the United States. The president is in a higher position than the rest of us. Therefore, the president is greater (meizon) than the rest of us. However, he is still just a human being-and thus he is not better (kreitton) than the rest of us.
Reply: In speaking of Heb. 1:4, Rhodes says, "He is higher than the angels in His very nature." Italics His
But what does the entire text say? "as he hath inherited a more excellent name than they". So Jesus had inherited a more excellent name (or Title/Williams), not a nature. Again, in the Grimm-Thayer Lexicon, it says of John 14:28 that MEIZON "is used of those who surpass others-either in nature and power, as God"p. 395 Italics mine
On Heb 1:4, this same lexicon tells us that KREITTON means "more excellent." p. 359 See also BAGD page 449. So, lexically speaking, Rhodes is wrong.
Additionally, almighty God does not need to inherit a more excellent name. The most powerful being in the universe already has the greatest name and title. Only underlings get promotions
The New American Standard Bible actually translates KREITTON as "greater" at Hebrews 7:7 which pretty much makes them synonyms.
As far as the president analogy goes, the President and I are two seperate persons. He holds authority over me, so he can be greater than me and may even be better than me.
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