The term "over-great" is not explicitly found in the Berean Standard Bible or other traditional translations of the Bible. However, the concept of being "over-great" can be understood as an excessive or undue greatness, often associated with pride, arrogance, or self-exaltation. This idea is frequently addressed in Scripture, where humility is extolled, and pride is warned against.

Biblical Context and Themes

1. Pride and Humility: The Bible consistently warns against the dangers of pride and self-exaltation. Proverbs 16:18 states, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." This verse highlights the peril of becoming "over-great" in one's own eyes, suggesting that such an attitude leads to downfall. Conversely, humility is praised, as seen in James 4:10 : "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you."

2. The Example of Nebuchadnezzar: A prominent biblical example of "over-greatness" is King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. In Daniel 4, Nebuchadnezzar's pride in his own achievements leads to his temporary downfall. Daniel 4:30 records his boastful words: "Is this not Babylon the Great, which I myself have built by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?" His subsequent humbling by God serves as a cautionary tale against self-exaltation.

3. The Tower of Babel: The account of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11 illustrates humanity's attempt to achieve greatness apart from God. The people said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city and a tower with its top in the heavens, and let us make a name for ourselves" (Genesis 11:4). Their ambition to become "over-great" led to their dispersion and the confusion of languages, demonstrating the futility of seeking greatness without divine approval.

4. Jesus' Teaching on Greatness: Jesus Christ redefined greatness in the Kingdom of God. In Matthew 23:11-12 , He taught, "The greatest among you shall be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." This teaching underscores the biblical principle that true greatness is found in humility and service, not in self-aggrandizement.

5. Warnings to the Rich and Powerful: The New Testament contains warnings to those who are rich and powerful, cautioning them against becoming "over-great" in their reliance on wealth. In 1 Timothy 6:17 , Paul advises, "Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment."

Theological Implications

The concept of "over-greatness" challenges believers to examine their own lives for areas of pride and self-reliance. The biblical narrative consistently points to the dangers of elevating oneself above others and above God. Instead, Scripture calls for a posture of humility, recognizing that all true greatness and honor come from God alone. The pursuit of humility and service, as modeled by Jesus, is the antidote to the temptation of becoming "over-great."

Because Thou Hast Forsaken the Solace and the Joy of this World...
... And that is in two manners. One is, when he eggs us on to over-great ease and rest
of body, and softness to our flesh, for need to sustain our nature. ...
/.../chapter ii because thou hast.htm

In Every Sinful Man and Woman that is Bound in Deadly Sin...
... Some are deceived by over-great lust and liking in meat and drink, when they pass
measure and come into excess, and have delight therein; and they know not ...
/.../chapter i in every sinful.htm

To Gregory xi
... The first is the over-great tenderness and care for relatives, which ought
to be entirely mortified. The other is that over-great ...
/.../benincasa/letters of catherine benincasa/to gregory xi.htm

Wherefore, that Thou May'st be Rightly Disposed Both for Thy Soul ...
... For both come to one end: excess and over-great fasting: for neither is GOD'S
will"and that many will not suppose, for anything one may say. ...
/.../chapter vi wherefore that thou.htm

I Know that Thy Life is Given to the Service of God. ...
... them rise to the solace of Him, and to forget vanities and fleshly loves of the
world, and to dread no sorrow that may fall: to diminish over-great bodily ease ...
/.../chapter iii i know that.htm

I Will that Thou Beest Aye Climbing to Jesus-Ward...
... abstinence that thou hold it; but for many who were burning at the beginning and
able to (capable of) the love of JESUS Christ, through over-great penance they ...
/.../the form of perfect living and other prose treatises/chapter v i will that.htm

Watching for the King
... From the mountain top, the eye travels over great stretches of country, but does
not see the gorges, separating points which seem close together, foreshortened ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/watching for the king.htm

Of Self-Esteem
... worse. Sometimes we are moved by passion and count it zeal; we blame little
faults in others and pass over great faults in ourselves. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter v of self-esteem.htm

Of the Love of Solitude and Silence
... 4. Often those who stand highest in the esteem of men, fall the more
grievously because of their over great confidence. Wherefore ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xx of the love.htm

Causes of the Inefficacy of Christianity
... In the last century, our ingenious and laborious countryman, Mr. Brerewood, travelled
over great part of the known world on purpose to inquire, so far as was ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 116 causes of the.htm

Over-great (3 Occurrences)
Over-great. Over-full, Over-great. Overgrown . Multi-Version
Concordance Over-great (3 Occurrences). 2 Corinthians 2 ...
/o/over-great.htm - 7k

True (305 Occurrences)
... Matthew 25:21 His lord said to him, Well done, good and true servant: you have been
true in a small thing, I will give you control overgreat things: take your ...
/t/true%20.htm - 33k

Control (88 Occurrences)
... Matthew 25:21 His lord said to him, Well done, good and true servant: you have been
true in a small thing, I will give you control overgreat things: take your ...
/c/control.htm - 33k

Overgrown (5 Occurrences)

/o/overgrown.htm - 8k

Over-full (1 Occurrence)
Over-full. Over-fond, Over-full. Over-great . Multi-Version Concordance
Over-full (1 Occurrence). ... Over-fond, Over-full. Over-great . Reference Bible.
/o/over-full.htm - 6k

Otherwise (78 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 2:7 So that now, on the other hand, it is right for him to have
forgiveness and comfort from you, for fear that his sorrow may be over-great. ...
/o/otherwise.htm - 30k

Ourselves (129 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 10:13 We will not give glory to ourselves in over-great measure, but
after the measure of the rule which God has given us, a measure which comes ...
/o/ourselves.htm - 38k

Forgiveness (124 Occurrences)
... 2 Corinthians 2:7 So that now, on the other hand, it is right for him to have
forgiveness and comfort from you, for fear that his sorrow may be over-great. ...
/f/forgiveness.htm - 68k

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