法華義疏 1.174

1.174

若依此經可有二義：「大比丘」者，標章門也。下之五段，釋章門也。一者、「萬二千人」謂數大也。二者、「皆是阿羅漢」，即位大也。三者、「諸漏已盡」，謂德大也。四者、「其名曰」，謂名大也。五者、「眾所知識」，謂知識大也。

If relying on this sūtra, there can be two meanings: "Great monks" presents the heading, while the five sections below explain this heading: First, "twelve thousand people" refers to greatness in number. Second, "all were arhats" refers to greatness in rank. Third, "their outflows were already exhausted" refers to greatness in virtue. Fourth, "their names were" refers to greatness in renown. Fifth, "recognized by the multitude" refers to greatness in renown.