Introduction

In the study of the New Testament, understanding Greek words like ἐλαττονέω (elattoneō) is crucial for interpreting the nuances of biblical texts. This particular word, which conveys the idea of making something less or diminishing, appears in contexts that address humility, loss, and the reduction of resources or status. The significance of ἐλαττονέω lies not only in its immediate lexical meaning but also in its cultural and theological implications within the New Testament. Its usage provides insight into the ancient Greek understanding of social dynamics, personal humility, and divine intervention, making it an essential term for students of biblical Greek.

Key Information

ἐλαττονέω (elattoneō) [eh-lat-ton-EH-oh]

• Etymology: The word ἐλαττονέω derives from the Greek root ἐλαττών (elattōn), which is the comparative form of ἐλάσσων (elassōn), meaning “lesser” or “smaller.” The verb form ἐλαττονέω inherently involves the action of reducing or diminishing something.
• Part of Speech: Verb (first-person singular present indicative). The verb follows regular Greek verb conjugation patterns.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To Diminish: ἐλαττονέω primarily means to make something less, either in quantity, quality, or importance.
• To Deprive: In certain contexts, it can also mean to deprive someone of something, often used in the sense of losing resources or status.
• To Be Made Less: The verb can be used in a passive sense to indicate that something or someone is being reduced or humbled.

Similar Words:

• Μειόω (meioō) [mey-OH-oh]: This word similarly means “to lessen” or “to reduce,” but it often carries a more general connotation of making something smaller or fewer.
• Ἐλαττονόω (elattonōō) [eh-lat-ton-OH-oh]: A closely related verb, meaning “to make inferior” or “to put down,” often with a focus on reducing someone’s status or rank.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: As a verb, ἐλαττονέω follows the typical Greek verb conjugation patterns for the present active indicative. Below is a brief conjugation chart for the verb in the present indicative active:

• Usage: The verb often appears in contexts that discuss humility or loss, where something is being actively reduced or where someone is being deprived of something. This can be in a physical, social, or spiritual sense.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: BDAG notes that ἐλαττονέω is used to describe the act of diminishing something, whether in size, number, or status. It can also refer to the experience of being made less or deprived, particularly in a spiritual or social context.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s lexicon emphasizes the verb’s application in both active and passive forms, highlighting its use in the New Testament to describe the humbling of individuals or the reduction of material wealth.

Vine’s: Vine’s Expository Dictionary explains that ἐλαττονέω can imply a voluntary act of humility or an involuntary loss, depending on the context. It often appears in discussions of moral or spiritual diminution.

LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon traces the use of ἐλαττονέω in classical Greek literature, noting its common use in legal and rhetorical contexts to describe the reduction of penalties, resources, or reputation.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s highlights the occurrences of ἐλαττονέω in the New Testament, particularly in passages dealing with social hierarchy, humility, and the loss of material goods.

Scripture References

• John 3:30 – “He must increase, but I must decrease (ἐλαττονέω).” — Here, John the Baptist uses the verb to describe his own diminishing role as Jesus’ ministry grows, emphasizing humility and the passing of the baton.
• Hebrews 2:7 – “You made him for a little while lower (ἐλαττονέω) than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor.” — This verse uses ἐλαττονέω to discuss Jesus’ temporary humbling in taking on human form, before His exaltation.

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐλαττονέω (G1641: elattoneō)

The Greek verb ἐλαττονέω, meaning “to diminish” or “to make less,” is a significant term in the New Testament, often used in contexts of humility, loss, and reduction. It highlights themes of spiritual humility, the diminishing of oneself, and the involuntary or voluntary reduction of resources or status. The word’s usage in classical Greek literature also points to its importance in discussions of law, government, and personal virtue. Understanding ἐλαττονέω provides deeper insight into the moral teachings of the New Testament and the cultural norms of the ancient world.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the concept of ἐλαττονέω is central to the Christian idea of humility? The word’s usage in John 3:30, where John the Baptist says, “He must increase, but I must decrease,” encapsulates the essence of Christian humility. This verb beautifully captures the idea of stepping back, making oneself less, so that others—or in this case, Christ—can shine brighter.