Introduction

In the realm of biblical studies, understanding the nuanced meanings of Greek words used in the New Testament is crucial for accurate interpretation and theological reflection. The Greek verb ἐλαττόω (elattoō) is a term that carries the connotation of diminishing or reducing something. This word is particularly significant in the New Testament, where it often relates to the concepts of humility, reduction in status or resources, and the divine action of making something lesser. Beyond its immediate biblical applications, ἐλαττόω also provides insight into the broader cultural and philosophical ideas of the ancient Greek world, where the reduction or lessening of one’s status, power, or possessions was often seen in a negative light unless it was in the context of humility or self-sacrifice.

Key Information

ἐλαττόω (elattoō) [eh-LAT-toh-oh]

• Etymology: The word ἐλαττόω comes from the Greek root ἐλαττών (elattōn), meaning “less” or “smaller.” It is related to the comparative form ἐλάσσων (elassōn), which also means “lesser” or “inferior.”
• Part of Speech: Verb (first-person singular present indicative). It follows the standard conjugation pattern of Greek verbs in the present active indicative.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• To Make Less: The primary meaning of ἐλαττόω is to diminish, decrease, or make something less in quantity, quality, or importance.
• To Reduce in Status: It can also mean to lower or reduce someone’s status or position, often in a social or hierarchical context.
• To Deprive: The verb is sometimes used in contexts where it means to deprive someone of something, typically indicating a reduction in resources or honor.

Similar Words:

• Μειόω (meioō) [mey-OH-oh]: This word similarly means “to lessen” or “to reduce,” but it is often more general, applying to size, number, or importance.
• Ταπεινόω (tapeinoō) [tah-pei-NOH-oh]: Although this word primarily means “to humble” or “to bring low,” it overlaps with ἐλαττόω in contexts where someone’s status or pride is reduced.

Further Insights:

• Morphology: ἐλαττόω is a regular verb in the present active indicative. Below is a brief conjugation chart for the verb in the present indicative active:

• Usage: The verb ἐλαττόω is often used in New Testament contexts to describe a process of reduction or diminishment, whether in physical resources, social standing, or personal pride.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: The BDAG lexicon highlights the use of ἐλαττόω in contexts where something is being made lesser or diminished. It can refer to a reduction in material wealth, honor, or even divine action in lowering someone’s status.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s lexicon emphasizes the verb’s use in the New Testament, particularly in describing actions that lead to a decrease in status or resources. It notes that the term is often associated with humility and the lowering of one’s pride or position.

Vine’s: Vine’s Expository Dictionary notes that ἐλαττόω is frequently used in moral and spiritual contexts, where it describes the process of becoming less, often in a virtuous sense of humility or in response to divine will.

LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon traces ἐλαττόω’s use in classical Greek literature, where it often appears in legal and rhetorical texts to describe the reduction of penalties, resources, or societal standing.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s highlights the occurrences of ἐλαττόω in the New Testament, particularly in discussions of social hierarchy, humility, and the divine act of reducing someone’s status or wealth.

Scripture References

• John 3:30 – “He must increase, but I must decrease (ἐλαττόω).” — This passage famously features John the Baptist acknowledging the need for his own ministry to diminish as Jesus’ ministry expands, emphasizing the theme of humility.
• Hebrews 2:7 – “You made him for a little while lower (ἐλαττόω) than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor.” — Here, ἐλαττόω is used to describe the temporary humbling of Jesus, who was made lower than the angels during his time on earth.

Classical Usage

Summary of ἐλαττόω (G1642: elattoō)

The Greek verb ἐλαττόω, meaning “to diminish” or “to make less,” is a significant term in the New Testament, especially in contexts that involve humility, reduction of status, or the loss of resources. The word is frequently used to convey the idea of becoming less, whether by divine action, personal humility, or societal reduction. Understanding ἐλαττόω enriches the study of biblical texts by highlighting key themes of humility, loss, and reduction in status, all of which play pivotal roles in the Christian narrative.

Did You Know?

Did you know that ἐλαττόω is closely related to the concept of humility in the New Testament? The verb’s use in John 3:30, where John the Baptist says, “He must increase, but I must decrease,” reflects a central theme in Christian theology: the voluntary diminishing of oneself to elevate another, in this case, Christ. This concept of diminishing oneself for the sake of others is a core principle of Christian humility.