Strong's Lexicon elachistoteros: Least, very least Original Word: ἐλαχιστότερος Word Origin: Comparative form of the Greek word ἐλάχιστος (elachistos), meaning "least" or "smallest." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἐλαχιστότερος, similar concepts of humility and lowliness can be found in Hebrew words such as קָטָן (qatan, Strong's H6996) meaning "small" or "least." Usage: The term ἐλαχιστότερος is used to denote something that is the smallest or least in comparison to others. It is a superlative form, emphasizing the lowest degree or rank. In the New Testament, it is often used to express humility or to describe someone who considers themselves less significant than others. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, societal status and rank were of great importance. The use of terms like ἐλαχιστότερος would have been understood in the context of social hierarchies, where individuals were often ranked by wealth, power, and influence. In the early Christian community, however, there was a counter-cultural emphasis on humility and servanthood, reflecting the teachings of Jesus Christ. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origincptv. of elachistos, q.v. Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1647: ἐλαχιστοτεροςἐλαχιστοτερος, ἐλαχιστερα, ἐλαχιστερον (comparitive formed from the superlative ἐλάχιστος; there is also a superlative ἐλαχιστοτατος; "it is well known that this kind of double comparison is common in the poets; but in prose, it is regarded as faulty." Lob. ad Phryn., p. 136; cf. Winers Grammar, § 11, 2 b. (also 27 (26); Buttmann, 28 (25))), less than the least, lower than the lowest: Ephesians 3:8. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance less than the least. Comparative of elachistos; far less -- less than the least. see GREEK elachistos Forms and Transliterations ελαχιστοτερω ελαχιστοτέρω ἐλαχιστοτέρῳ elachistotero elachistoterō elachistotéroi elachistotérōiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ephesians 3:8 Adj-DMS-CGRK: ἐμοὶ τῷ ἐλαχιστοτέρῳ πάντων ἁγίων KJV: Unto me, who am less than the least of all INT: To me the very least of all saints |
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