Strong's Lexicon elachistos: Least, smallest, very little Original Word: ἐλάχιστος Word Origin: Superlative form of the Greek word μικρός (mikros), meaning "small" or "little." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent often used in similar contexts is קָטָן (qatan), meaning "small" or "least." Usage: The term "elachistos" is used in the New Testament to denote the smallest or least in size, amount, importance, or rank. It often conveys a sense of humility or insignificance in comparison to something greater. In a biblical context, it can refer to the least in the kingdom of God, the least of the commandments, or the least among people. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, societal structures were hierarchical, with clear distinctions between the great and the least. The use of "elachistos" in the New Testament often challenges these societal norms by emphasizing the value and importance of those considered least by worldly standards. This reflects the counter-cultural message of the Gospel, where the last shall be first, and the humble are exalted. HELPS Word-studies 1646 eláxistos – the superlative (-est form) of 3398 /mikrós ("small") meaning "the very least, smallest." Lk 16:10: "He who is faithful in a very little (1646 /eláxistos) thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little (1646 /eláxistos) thing is unrighteous also in much" (NASU). Lk 19:17: "And he said to him, 'Well done, good slave, because you have been faithful in a very little (1646 /eláxistos) thing, you are to be in authority over ten cities' " (NASU). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originsuperl. of elachus (little), also used as superl. to mikros Definition least (in size, amount, dignity, etc.) NASB Translation least (6), smallest (1), very least (1), very little thing (4), very small (1), very small thing (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1646: ἐλάχιστοςἐλάχιστος, ἐλαχίστη, ἐλάχιστον (superlative of the adjective μικρός, but coming from ἐλαχύς) ((Homer h. Merc. 573), Herodotus down), smallest, least — whether in size: James 3:4; in amount: of the management of affairs, πιστός ἐν ἐλαχίστῳ, Luke 16:10 (opposed to ἐν πολλῷ); Strong's Exhaustive Concordance least, very little, smallest. Superlative of elachus (short); used as equivalent to mikros; least (in size, amount, dignity, etc.) -- least, very little (small), smallest. see GREEK mikros Forms and Transliterations ελάχιστα ελαχιστη ελαχίστη ἐλαχίστη ελαχίστης ελάχιστοι ελαχιστον ελάχιστον ελάχιστόν ἐλάχιστον ἐλάχιστόν ελαχιστος ελάχιστος ἐλάχιστος ελαχιστου ελαχίστου ἐλαχίστου ελαχιστω ελαχίστω ἐλαχίστῳ ελαχιστων ελαχίστων ἐλαχίστων elachiste elachistē elachíste elachístē elachisto elachistō elachístoi elachístōi elachiston elachistōn elachíston elachístōn eláchiston eláchistón elachistos eláchistos elachistou elachístouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 2:6 Adj-NFSGRK: Ἰούδα οὐδαμῶς ἐλαχίστη εἶ ἐν NAS: ARE BY NO MEANS LEAST AMONG KJV: art not the least among the princes INT: of Judah in no way least are among Matthew 5:19 Adj-GFP Matthew 5:19 Adj-NMS Matthew 25:40 Adj-GMP Matthew 25:45 Adj-GMP Luke 12:26 Adj-ANS Luke 16:10 Adj-DNS Luke 16:10 Adj-DNS Luke 19:17 Adj-DNS 1 Corinthians 4:3 Adj-ANS 1 Corinthians 6:2 Adj-GNP 1 Corinthians 15:9 Adj-NMS James 3:4 Adj-GNS Strong's Greek 1646 |