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G3123 · Greek · New Testament
μᾶλλον
Mallon
Adverb
More, rather, all the more — expressing preference or increase

Definition

The Greek adverb mallon is one of the most common words in the New Testament, appearing over 80 times. It expresses comparative preference ('rather' choose this than that), increasing degree ('all the more'), or emphasis. It appears in key theological texts: 'How much more will your Father in heaven give...' (Matthew 7:11), 'Much more then, having been justified...' (Romans 5:9), and Philippians 1:23 ('Which is better by far').

Usage & Theological Significance

Paul's repeated use of mallon in Romans 5 creates a theology of 'much more': if death reigned through Adam's one trespass, 'how much more' will grace reign through the one man Jesus Christ (Romans 5:15–17). The logic of the gospel is always escalation upward: sin is great, but grace is mallon — more, greater, all the more. This is not cheap grace but the mathematics of infinite divine generosity. The cross is not merely a correction to the fall; it is a mallon — an overflowing surplus of redemption.

Key Bible Verses

Romans 5:9 Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more [mallon] shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!
Matthew 7:11 How much more [mallon] will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!
Philippians 1:23 I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better [mallon] by far.
Romans 5:15 But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!
2 Peter 1:10 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom.

Related Words

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