1645. elaphros

Lexicon

elaphros: Light, easy

Original Word: ἐλαφρός
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: elaphros
Pronunciation: eh-LAH-fros
Phonetic Spelling: (el-af-ros')
Definition: Light, easy
Meaning: light, not burdensome.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

light.

Probably akin to elauno and the base of elasson; light, i.e. Easy -- light.

see GREEK elauno

see GREEK elasson

HELPS Word-studies

1645 elaphrós (from mikros, "least, little," J. Thayer) – properly, of little weight (light); (figuratively) easily managed (carried) because easy to bear (move with).

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
a prim. word
Definition
light, easy to bear
NASB Translation
light (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 1645: ἐλαφρός

ἐλαφρός, ἐλαφρα, ἐλαφρόν, light in weight, quick, agile; a light φορτίον is used figuratively concerning the commandments of Jesus, easy to be kept, Matthew 11:30; neuter τό ἐλαφρόν, substantively, the lightness: τῆς θλίψεως (A. V. our light affliction), 2 Corinthians 4:17. (From Homer down.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the root word ἐλαφρός, meaning "light" or "easy."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἐλαφρός, the concept of lightness or ease can be related to Hebrew words such as קַל (qal, Strong's Hebrew 7043), which means "light" or "swift," and is used in various contexts to describe something that is not burdensome or heavy.

Usage: The word ἐλαφρός is used in the New Testament to describe something that is not heavy or burdensome, often in a metaphorical sense. It appears in contexts where the ease or lightness of a burden is contrasted with something more weighty or difficult.

Context: • The Greek word ἐλαφρός is used in the New Testament to describe the nature of burdens or tasks that are considered light or easy to bear. This term is notably used in 2 Corinthians 4:17, where the Apostle Paul contrasts the "light" afflictions of this life with the eternal weight of glory that awaits believers. The passage reads: "For our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory that is far beyond comparison" (BSB). Here, ἐλαφρός emphasizes the temporary and insignificant nature of earthly trials when viewed in the context of eternal rewards.
• The concept of ἐλαφρός is significant in understanding the Christian perspective on suffering and endurance. It suggests that the challenges faced in this life, though real, are ultimately transient and outweighed by the promise of eternal life and glory with God. This perspective encourages believers to maintain hope and perseverance, trusting in the greater purpose and outcome of their faith journey.
• The use of ἐλαφρός also aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who invites His followers to take on His yoke, which He describes as "easy" (Matthew 11:30, though a different Greek word, χρηστός, is used here for "easy"). This reflects the idea that the life of faith, while involving challenges, is ultimately supported by divine grace and strength, making the burden light.

Forms and Transliterations

ελαφραί ελαφρον ελαφρόν ἐλαφρόν ἐλαφρὸν ελαφρός ελαφρότερος elaphron elaphrón elaphròn

Englishman's Concordance

Matthew 11:30 Adj-NNS
GRK: φορτίον μου ἐλαφρόν ἐστιν
NAS: is easy and My burden is light.
KJV: burden is light.
INT: burden of me light is

2 Corinthians 4:17 Adj-NNS
GRK: γὰρ παραυτίκα ἐλαφρὸν τῆς θλίψεως
NAS: For momentary, light affliction
KJV: For our light affliction, which
INT: indeed momentary lightness of tribulation

Strong's Greek 1645
2 Occurrences

ἐλαφρόν — 2 Occ.