μᾶλλον
mâllon
G3123 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
Comparative adverb meaning 'more,' signifying a greater degree, extent, or preference; also used to introduce contrast ('rather') or emphasis on increased intensity. It may function to intensify a statement, indicate something is preferred above another, or mark a correction/explanation.
Semantic Range
more (in degree), rather (in preference or contrast), to a greater extent, still more, all the more, instead; intensifier in argument or rhetoric
Root / Etymology
From the same root as μᾶλα (an old adverb meaning 'very, exceedingly'), with the comparative ending -ον; thus, literally 'more' or 'to a greater degree.' Related to the superlative μάλιστα ('most, especially').
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, μᾶλλον is the standard comparative adverb for 'more,' indicating increased degree, quantity, or preference (e.g., 'more diligently,' 'rather than'). In the Septuagint and New Testament, it frequently marks contrast or correction, as in 'rather,' and occurs in arguments to strengthen or qualify the preceding statement. English translations sometimes render μᾶλλον as 'rather,' 'all the more,' or 'instead,' but these do not always capture its full comparative nuance. In some instances, especially in rhetorical or argumentative contexts, μᾶλλον expresses that one thing is much more or even more to be expected, thus intensifying the logical progression (cf. Romans 5:9-10). The sense of quantity ('to a greater extent') or preference is context-dependent. While English often requires a syntactic restructuring for natural rendering, the Greek μᾶλλον maintains a flexible usage from simple comparison to logical emphasis.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
neuter of the comparative of the same as μάλιστα; (adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather:--+ better, X far, (the) more (and more), (so) much (the more), rather.
Root Family
μᾶλλον (mallon) — to increase, to prefer, to exceed
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3123-01 |
μᾶλλον | mallon | ADV |
more | more | 81 |
Occurrences in Scripture
81 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3123-01 |
Matthew 6:26 | μᾶλλον | mallon | ADV |
more | |
G3123-01 |
Matthew 6:30 | μᾶλλον | mallon | ADV |
more | |
G3123-01 |
Matthew 7:11 | μᾶλλον | mallon | ADV |
more | |
G3123-01 |
Matthew 10:6 | μᾶλλον | mallon | ADV |
more | |
G3123-01 |
Matthew 10:25 | μᾶλλον | mallon | ADV |
more | |
G3123-01 |
Matthew 10:28 | μᾶλλον | mallon | ADV |
more | |
G3123-01 |
Matthew 18:13 | μᾶλλον | mallon | ADV |
more | |
G3123-01 |
Matthew 25:9 | μᾶλλον | mallon | ADV |
more | |
G3123-01 |
Matthew 27:24 | μᾶλλον | mallon | ADV |
more | |
G3123-01 |
Mark 5:26 | μᾶλλον | mallon | ADV |
rather | more |