3641. oligos

Lexical Summary

oligos: Few, little, small, short

Original Word: ὀλίγος
Part of Speech: Adjective; Adverb
Transliteration: oligos
Pronunciation: o-LEE-gos
Phonetic Spelling: (ol-ee'-gos)
KJV: + almost, brief(-ly), few, (a) little, + long, a season, short, small, a while
NASB: few, little, little while, few things, short, small, brief
Word Origin: [of uncertain affinity]

1. puny, tiny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value)
2. (of time)
3. brief, momentary i.e. a moment or short time
4. (of number) few
5. (of quantity) little
6. (especially neuter, adverbially) somewhat

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

few, small, a while.

Of uncertain affinity; puny (in extent, degree, number, duration or value); especially neuter (adverbially) somewhat -- + almost, brief(-ly), few, (a) little, + long, a season, short, small, a while.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
a prim. word
Definition
few, little, small
NASB Translation
brief (1), briefly (1), few (11), few things (3), great* (1), little (7), little way (1), little while (4), long* (1), number* (2), short (3), short time (1), small (3), while (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 3641: ὀλίγος

ὀλίγος, ὀλίγη, ὀλίγον (on its occasional aspiration, (ὀλίγος) see WHs Appendix, p. 143; Tdf. Proleg., pp. 91,106; Scrivener, Introduction, p. 565, and references under the word οὐ at the beginning), the Sept. for מְעַט (from Homer down), little, small, few, of number, multitude, quantity, or size: joined to nouns (cf. Winers Grammar, § 20, 1 b. note; Buttmann, § 125, 6), Matthew 9:37; Matthew 15:34; Mark 6:5; Mark 8:7; Luke 10:2; Luke 12:48 (ὀλίγας namely, πληγάς (cf. B. § 134, 6; Winer's Grammar, § 32, 5, especially § 64, 4), opposed to πολλαί, 47); Acts 19:24; 1 Timothy 5:23; Hebrews 12:10; James 3:5 R G; 1 Peter 3:20 R G; Revelation 3:4; of time, short: χρόνος, Acts 14:28; καιρός, Revelation 12:12; of degree or intensity, light, slight: τάραχος, Acts 12:18; Acts 19:23; στάσις, ; χειμών, . plural with a partitive genitive: γυναικῶν, Acts 17:4; ἀνδρῶν, Acts 17:12. ὀλίγοι, absolutely: Matthew 7:14; Matthew 20:16; (T WH omit; Tr brackets the clause); ; Luke 13:23; 1 Peter 3:20 L T Tr WH; neuter singular: Luke 7:47; τό ὀλίγον, 2 Corinthians 8:15; πρός ὀλίγον ὠφέλιμος, profitable for little (Latinparum utilis); (cf. Winers Grammar, 213 (200); some, for a little (namely, time); see below), 1 Timothy 4:8; ἐν ὀλίγῳ, in few words (cf. Shakespear's in a few), i. e. in brief, briefly (γράφειν), Ephesians 3:3; easily, without much effort, Acts 26:28f on other but incorrect interpretations of this phrase cf. Meyer at the passage (see μέγας, 1 a. γ.); πρός ὀλίγον, for a little time, James 4:14; simply ὀλίγον, adverbially: of time, a short time, a (little) while, Mark 6:31; 1 Peter 1:6; 1 Peter 5:10; Revelation 17:10; of space, a little (further), Mark 1:19; Luke 5:3. plural ὀλίγα, a few things: (Luke 10:41 WH); Revelation 2:14, 20 (Rec.); ἐπ' ὀλίγα ((see at the beginning and) ἐπί, C. I. 2 e.), Matthew 25:21, 23; δἰ ὀλίγων, briefly, in few words, γράφειν, 1 Peter 5:12 (see διά, A. III. 3) (ῤηθῆναι, Plato, Phil., p. 31 d.; legg. 6, p. 778 c.).

Topical Lexicon

Overview

The adjective group built on ὀλίγος (G3641) expresses “few,” “little,” or “small” in extent, number, or time. The New Testament employs it in forty-two places to highlight limitation in contrast to divine sufficiency. Its distribution stretches across Gospels, Acts, Pauline letters, General Epistles, and Revelation, giving the term a multi-faceted theological resonance.

Physical Provision and the Power of God

• Matthew 15:34 and Mark 8:7 record “a few small fish” and “a few loaves,” underscoring human insufficiency before Jesus multiplies resources for the crowds.
• The implication is pastoral: ministries may begin with scant means, yet the Lord’s blessing transforms scarcity into abundance (compare 2 Corinthians 8:15).

Faithfulness in Small Responsibilities

• In the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:21, 23), the master commends servants who were “faithful over a few things” and entrusts them with many. The lesson: present obedience, however modest the assignment, prepares believers for greater stewardship in the kingdom.
• Luke 12:48 balances this principle negatively: “From everyone who has been entrusted with little, even more will be asked”. Faithfulness cannot be postponed until circumstances appear significant.

Evangelistic Urgency: Few Laborers, Plentiful Harvest

• Twice Jesus laments that “the workers are few” (Matthew 9:37; Luke 10:2). The contrast between abundant harvest and inadequate workforce undergirds missionary prayer and mobilization.
• Acts illustrates the reality: only “a few” believe in Thessalonica or among the Areopagus (Acts 17:4, 12, 34), yet those converts form nuclei for local churches.

Salvation and the Narrow Way

• “Small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:14). Scripture never implies elitism, yet it soberly warns that genuine repentance and faith will never be the broad cultural road.
• Luke 13:23 voices the common question, “Lord, are only a few going to be saved?” Jesus answers by urging urgent entry through the narrow door, not speculation about statistics.

The Remnant Motif

• Revelation grants special attention to the faithful minority: Pergamum has only “a few things” to correct (Revelation 2:14), while Sardis still has “a few people” who have not soiled their garments (Revelation 3:4). The apostle echoes the prophetic remnant theme (Isaiah 1:9).
• 1 Peter 3:20 looks back to Noah: “In the ark a few people, only eight souls, were saved through water.” God may preserve truth through apparently insignificant remnants.

Temporal Brevity of Suffering

• “You may have had to suffer grief in various trials for a little while” (1 Peter 1:6).
• “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace… will restore you” (1 Peter 5:10).
• Hebrews 12:10 affirms that earthly discipline lasts “only a little while.”
• Revelation 12:12 warns Satan has “only a short time,” and Revelation 17:10 portrays kings reigning “for a brief time.” Cosmic conflict is time-bound; eternal glory is not.

Love, Forgiveness, and Spiritual Perception

• Luke 7:47 contrasts one forgiven “little” who loves little with the woman forgiven much. The adjective measures perception, not the actual debt, exposing self-righteous blindness.
• 2 Peter 2:18 notes that false teachers entice those “just escaping” (ὀλίγως) from error, revealing vulnerability among young believers.

Brevity in Communication

• Paul states, “By revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I have written briefly” (Ephesians 3:3).
• Peter closes his first letter: “I have written to you briefly” (1 Peter 5:12).
• Acts 26:28–29 records Agrippa’s remark, “In a short time you are persuading me to become a Christian!” Paul adapts: “Whether in a short or long time…” The term marks concise gospel presentation without diminishing its power.

Practical Counsel and Discipline

• Timothy is advised, “Use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses” (1 Timothy 5:23). Measured liberty serves bodily stewardship, avoiding both asceticism and excess.
• James 4:14 reminds believers that life is “a mist that appears for a little while,” motivating humble dependence on God’s will.

Historical Insight

The earliest church recognized itself as ὀλίγοι in number yet mighty in witness. Patristic authors (e.g., Ignatius, Polycarp) echo the New Testament’s encouragement to minority congregations facing cultural pressure. Reformation preaching likewise employed the remnant theme to hearten believers challenged by dominant institutions.

Ministry Implications

1. Small beginnings are not a barrier to kingdom advance; they showcase divine provision.
2. Leaders cultivate faithfulness in “little things,” trusting God for future enlargement.
3. Evangelism must reckon with disproportion—harvest abundant, laborers few—fueling prayerful dependence.
4. Pastors strengthen saints to endure “a little while” of trials with eschatological hope.
5. Teaching should guard young believers (ὀλίγως escaped) from seductive doctrines.
6. Fellowship honors even a “few names” who persevere, affirming corporate holiness.

Conclusion

Across the New Testament, ὀλίγος and its cognates consistently juxtapose human limitation with divine sufficiency. Whether describing resources, time, suffering, or the number of faithful, the vocabulary of “few” calls the Church to trust God’s power, steward present responsibilities, and anticipate the day when what is “little” yields to the immeasurable fullness of Christ’s kingdom.

Forms and Transliterations

ἑνὸς ολιγα ολίγα ὀλίγα ολιγαι ολίγαι ὀλίγαι ολιγας ολίγας ὀλίγας ολίγη ολιγην ολίγην ὀλίγην ολιγης ολίγης ὀλίγης ολιγοι ολίγοι ὀλίγοι ολιγοις ολίγοις ὀλίγοις ολιγον ολίγον ὀλίγον ολιγος ολίγος ὀλίγος ολιγοστοί ολιγοστόν ολιγοστός ολιγοστούς ολιγότητα ολιγου ολίγου ὀλίγου ολίγους ολιγοψυχίας ολιγοψυχούντες ολιγω ολίγω ὀλίγῳ ολιγων ολίγων ὀλίγων ολιγως ὀλίγως ωλιγοψύχει ωλιγοψύχησαν ωλιγοψύχησε ωλιγοψύχησεν enos henos henòs oliga olíga oligai olígai oligas olígas oligen oligēn olígen olígēn oliges oligēs olíges olígēs oligo oligō oligoi olígoi olígōi oligois olígois oligon oligōn olígon olígōn oligos oligōs olígos olígōs oligou olígou

Englishman's Concordance

Matthew 7:14 Adj-NMP
GRK: ζωήν καὶ ὀλίγοι εἰσὶν οἱ
NAS: and there are few who find
KJV: life, and few there be that find
INT: life and few are they who

Matthew 9:37 Adj-NMP
GRK: δὲ ἐργάται ὀλίγοι
NAS: is plentiful, but the workers are few.
KJV: but the labourers [are] few;
INT: however workmen [are] few

Matthew 15:34 Adj-ANP
GRK: Ἑπτά καὶ ὀλίγα ἰχθύδια
NAS: Seven, and a few small fish.
KJV: Seven, and a few little fishes.
INT: Seven and a few small fish

Matthew 20:16 Adj-NMP
GRK: εἰσιν κλητοί ὀλίγοι δὲ ἐκλεκτοί
KJV: called, but few chosen.
INT: are called few however chosen

Matthew 22:14 Adj-NMP
GRK: εἰσιν κλητοὶ ὀλίγοι δὲ ἐκλεκτοί
NAS: are called, but few [are] chosen.
KJV: called, but few [are] chosen.
INT: are called few however chosen

Matthew 25:21 Adj-ANP
GRK: πιστέ ἐπὶ ὀλίγα ἦς πιστός
NAS: You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge
KJV: over a few things, I will make
INT: faithful over a few things you were faithful

Matthew 25:23 Adj-ANP
GRK: πιστέ ἐπὶ ὀλίγα ἦς πιστός
NAS: You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge
KJV: over a few things, I will make
INT: faithful over a few things you were faithful

Mark 1:19 Adv
GRK: Καὶ προβὰς ὀλίγον εἶδεν Ἰάκωβον
NAS: Going on a little farther, He saw
KJV: when he had gone a little further
INT: And having gone on a little he saw James

Mark 6:5 Adj-DMP
GRK: εἰ μὴ ὀλίγοις ἀρρώστοις ἐπιθεὶς
NAS: His hands on a few sick people
KJV: his hands upon a few sick folk,
INT: if not on a few sick having laid

Mark 6:31 Adv
GRK: καὶ ἀναπαύσασθε ὀλίγον ἦσαν γὰρ
NAS: and rest a while. (For there were many
KJV: and rest a while: for there were
INT: and rest a little Were indeed

Mark 8:7 Adj-ANP
GRK: εἶχον ἰχθύδια ὀλίγα καὶ εὐλογήσας
NAS: had a few small fish;
KJV: And they had a few small fishes: and
INT: they had small fish a few and having blessed

Luke 5:3 Adj-AMS
GRK: γῆς ἐπαναγαγεῖν ὀλίγον καθίσας δὲ
NAS: him to put out a little way from the land.
KJV: that he would thrust out a little from
INT: land to put off a little having sat down moreover

Luke 7:47 Adj-ANS
GRK: ᾧ δὲ ὀλίγον ἀφίεται ὀλίγον
NAS: is forgiven little, loves
KJV: to whom little is forgiven,
INT: to whom however little is forgiven little

Luke 7:47 Adj-ANS
GRK: ὀλίγον ἀφίεται ὀλίγον ἀγαπᾷ
NAS: little, loves little.
KJV: is forgiven, [the same] loveth little.
INT: little is forgiven little he loves

Luke 10:2 Adj-NMP
GRK: δὲ ἐργάται ὀλίγοι δεήθητε οὖν
NAS: but the laborers are few; therefore
KJV: the labourers [are] few: pray ye
INT: moreover [the] workmen [are] few pray earnestly to therefore

Luke 12:48 Adj-AFP
GRK: πληγῶν δαρήσεται ὀλίγας παντὶ δὲ
NAS: will receive but few. From everyone
KJV: shall be beaten with few [stripes]. For
INT: of stripes will be beaten with few everyone moreover

Luke 13:23 Adj-NMP
GRK: Κύριε εἰ ὀλίγοι οἱ σωζόμενοι
NAS: to Him, Lord, are there [just] a few who are being saved?
INT: Lord if [are] few those being saved

Acts 12:18 Adj-NMS
GRK: τάραχος οὐκ ὀλίγος ἐν τοῖς
NAS: there was no small disturbance
KJV: there was no small stir among
INT: disturbance not small among the

Acts 14:28 Adj-AMS
GRK: χρόνον οὐκ ὀλίγον σὺν τοῖς
INT: time not a little with the

Acts 15:2 Adj-GFS
GRK: ζητήσεως οὐκ ὀλίγης τῷ Παύλῳ
KJV: had no small dissension and
INT: discussion not a little by Paul

Acts 17:4 Adj-NFP
GRK: πρώτων οὐκ ὀλίγαι
KJV: women not a few.
INT: leading not a few

Acts 17:12 Adj-NMP
GRK: ἀνδρῶν οὐκ ὀλίγοι
KJV: of men, not a few.
INT: men not a few

Acts 19:23 Adj-NMS
GRK: τάραχος οὐκ ὀλίγος περὶ τῆς
NAS: no small disturbance
KJV: there arose no small stir about
INT: disturbance not small about the

Acts 19:24 Adj-AFS
GRK: τεχνίταις οὐκ ὀλίγην ἐργασίαν
NAS: no little business
KJV: no small gain
INT: craftsmen no little business

Acts 26:28 Adj-DNS
GRK: Παῦλον Ἐν ὀλίγῳ με πείθεις
NAS: [replied] to Paul, In a short time you will persuade
INT: Paul Almost little me you persuade

Strong's Greek 3641
42 Occurrences

ὀλίγα — 6 Occ.
ὀλίγαι — 1 Occ.
ὀλίγας — 2 Occ.
ὀλίγην — 1 Occ.
ὀλίγης — 1 Occ.
ὀλίγῳ — 4 Occ.
ὀλίγων — 1 Occ.
ὀλίγως — 1 Occ.
ὀλίγοι — 8 Occ.
ὀλίγοις — 1 Occ.
ὀλίγον — 13 Occ.
ὀλίγος — 2 Occ.
ὀλίγου — 1 Occ.