Brief Overview of ἐλάχιστος (Strong’s G1646: eláchistos)

Introduction:

Understanding Greek words is crucial in Biblical studies, as it allows for a deeper comprehension of the original meanings and nuances within the New Testament text. The word ἐλάχιστος (eláchistos) is particularly significant because it helps us grasp the concept of “smallness” or “least” as used in the New Testament. Its usage reveals the values of humility and the reversal of worldly expectations in early Christian teachings. Additionally, studying ἐλάχιστος gives us insights into ancient Greek culture, where concepts of size, importance, and status were often intertwined with ethical and philosophical meanings.

Key Information:

Greek Word:

• ἐλάχιστος (eláchistos) [eh-LAH-khee-stos]

Etymology:

• Derived from the superlative form of the root word ὀλίγος (olígos), meaning “few” or “little.”

Part of Speech:

• Adjective (Superlative degree)

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Primary Meanings:

• The least, smallest in size or amount.
• The least in rank, influence, or importance.
• Very small, insignificant.

Similar Words:

• μικρός (mikros) [mee-KROS]: Means “small” or “little,” often used to describe physical size or age.
• ἐλάσσων (elássōn) [eh-LAS-sohn]: Means “less” or “inferior,” typically used in comparative contexts.

These words all convey notions of smallness or lesser status, but ἐλάχιστος specifically emphasizes the superlative degree, indicating the very least or smallest in comparison.

Further Insights:

• Superlative Form: The word ἐλάχιστος is a superlative adjective, indicating the extreme degree of “smallness” or “least” in contrast to others.
• Notable Feature: As a superlative, it is often used to express humility or insignificance, particularly in moral or ethical contexts. Table: Declension of ἐλάχιστος (eláchistos) Case Singular Plural Nominative ἐλάχιστος ἐλάχιστοι Genitive ἐλαχίστου ἐλαχίστων Dative ἐλαχίστῳ ἐλαχίστοις Accusative ἐλάχιστον ἐλαχίστους Vocative ἐλάχιστε ἐλάχιστοι

Lexicon Insights:

BDAG:
ἐλάχιστος is described as “the least” in a superlative sense, often used metaphorically to denote the least important or least significant person or thing.

Thayers:
It highlights the word’s usage in describing someone or something of minimal significance, often in ethical or spiritual contexts.

Vines:
Vine’s dictionary focuses on the moral implications of ἐλάχιστος, noting its application to teachings of humility and servitude.

LSJ:
The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon describes ἐλάχιστος as the least in size, number, or importance, with applications in both literal and figurative senses.

Strongs Exhaustive Concordance:
Defines ἐλάχιστος as the superlative of oligos, denoting the smallest in quantity, number, or importance, often with a focus on humility or lowliness.

Scripture References:

• Matthew 5:19 – “Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least (ἐλαχίστων) of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least (ἐλάχιστος) in the kingdom of heaven.”
• Matthew 25:40 – “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least (ἐλαχίστων) of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”
• Luke 16:10 – “One who is faithful in a very little (ἐλαχίστῳ) is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little (ἐλαχίστῳ) is also dishonest in much.”

Classical Usage:

Summary of ἐλάχιστος (G1646: eláchistos):

The Greek word ἐλάχιστος, meaning “the least” or “smallest,” is a superlative adjective that plays a significant role in both Biblical and classical texts. In the New Testament, it often carries a moral or ethical connotation, emphasizing humility and the importance of even the smallest actions. Understanding this word provides valuable insights into early Christian values as well as ancient Greek concepts of size and importance.

Did You Know?

The word ἐλάχιστος not only signifies the smallest or least important but was often used by Greek philosophers like Aristotle to discuss ethical virtues. They believed that small, seemingly insignificant actions were crucial in shaping one’s character, reflecting a principle still valued today in moral philosophy.