The Greek verb diaphero means to differ, to surpass in value, or to carry through. In the question of comparative value it establishes the greater worth of one thing over another. It also literally means to carry or bear through.
Jesus uses diaphero in the Sermon on the Mount to establish human dignity: 'Are you not much more valuable (diaphero) than they?' (Matthew 6:26 — referring to birds). The argument from lesser to greater is central to Jesus's teaching: if God cares for sparrows, how much more does he care for those made in his image? The word is a theological statement about worth, anchored in creation and redemption.