The phrase "small and great" is a recurring expression in the Bible, often used to denote inclusivity and universality, encompassing all people regardless of their social, economic, or spiritual status. This expression underscores the biblical principle that God's attention, judgment, and blessings are impartial and extend to every individual.

Old Testament Usage

In the Old Testament, "small and great" frequently appears in contexts that emphasize the comprehensive nature of God's actions or the inclusivity of a group. For instance, in 1 Samuel 30:2, when the Amalekites raided Ziklag, they "took captive the women and all who were in it, both small and great." This indicates that no one was spared, highlighting the totality of the event.

Similarly, in 2 Chronicles 15:13, the phrase is used to describe the inclusivity of a covenant: "Whoever would not seek the LORD, the God of Israel, would be put to death, whether small or great, man or woman." This underscores the seriousness and universality of the commitment to God, showing that divine expectations apply to all.

New Testament Usage

In the New Testament, the phrase continues to convey the idea of inclusivity. Revelation 11:18 speaks of the time when God will "destroy those who destroy the earth," and it mentions that He will "reward His servants the prophets and the saints and those who fear Your name, small and great." This passage highlights the impartiality of God's judgment and reward, affirming that all who are faithful, regardless of their status, will be acknowledged.

Revelation 20:12 further illustrates this concept in the context of the final judgment: "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened." Here, the phrase emphasizes that all humanity will stand before God, reinforcing the idea that divine judgment is all-encompassing.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the phrase "small and great" reflects the biblical teaching that God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). It affirms the equality of all people before God, whether in judgment or blessing. This principle is foundational to the Christian understanding of God's nature as just and impartial.

In the context of the church, this expression serves as a reminder of the unity and equality of believers. Galatians 3:28 echoes this sentiment, stating, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." The phrase "small and great" thus reinforces the idea that in Christ, all distinctions that divide humanity are transcended.

Practical Application

For believers, the concept of "small and great" serves as a call to humility and inclusivity. It challenges Christians to view others as God does, without partiality or favoritism. James 2:1-9 warns against showing favoritism, urging believers to treat all people with equal respect and love, reflecting the impartial nature of God's kingdom.

In summary, the biblical phrase "small and great" serves as a powerful reminder of God's impartiality and the universal scope of His actions, judgments, and blessings. It calls believers to emulate this divine attribute in their relationships and interactions with others, fostering a community that reflects the inclusive love of God.