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Unveiling the Word

In biblical studies, understanding Greek words like μικρός (mikrós) provides deeper insight into the original meaning of Scripture. Mikrós, which means “small” or “little,” is significant because it appears in both literal and figurative contexts throughout the New Testament. In Matthew 10:42, the term is used to describe someone of little significance or power, like a child or someone who is humble. The use of μικρός carries the idea of smallness not just in size, but in influence, rank, or stature. This concept resonates in Christian theology, which often emphasizes humility and the value of the lowly.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μικρός (mikrós), pronounced mee-KROS.

Etymology: The word μικρός is derived from the Indo-European root mik- or smik-, which means “small” or “short.” This root also forms the basis for many English terms, such as “micro,” which denotes something tiny, whether in size, influence, or duration.

Part of Speech: μικρός is an adjective. As such, it modifies nouns and can take on various grammatical forms based on the gender, number, and case of the noun it describes. It is used in both literal and metaphorical contexts to convey smallness or insignificance.

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Defining Meanings

1. Small in Size: μικρός frequently refers to physical smallness or brevity in size or time. It is often used to describe children or objects that are small in stature or importance.

2. Insignificant or Humble: The word also conveys the idea of insignificance in rank or influence. In Matthew 10:42, Jesus speaks of giving a cup of water to “one of these little ones,” referring to those who are often overlooked or deemed unimportant in society.

3. Brief in Duration: μικρός can also mean “short” in time, implying a brief period. This temporal aspect appears in various New Testament passages where something is said to happen for a short time or with little duration.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Ὀλίγος (oligos): Pronounced oh-LEE-gos, this word means “few” or “little” in number or amount. While μικρός focuses on size or significance, oligos emphasizes quantity.

2. Ταπεινός (tapeinós): Pronounced tah-pey-NOS, this word means “lowly” or “humble.” While μικρός refers to smallness in size or significance, tapeinós often conveys a voluntary humility or meekness in spirit.

3. Βραχύς (brachys): Pronounced BRAK-his, meaning “short” or “brief,” this word is more specific to the duration of time, similar to one of the usages of μικρός.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: As an adjective, μικρός must agree with the noun it modifies in gender, number, and case. The following table illustrates the neuter declension, as it appears in Matthew 10:42:

Case Singular Plural

Nominative μικρός μικροί

Genitive μικροῦ μικρῶν

Dative μικρῷ μικροῖς

Accusative μικρόν μικρούς

Declension: μικρός follows the regular declension patterns for Greek adjectives, aligning in gender, case, and number with the noun it modifies.

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

In New Testament contexts, μικρός frequently refers to both physical and metaphorical smallness. It is commonly used in the Gospels to refer to children or those of little social significance. Lexicons highlight that μικρός can be used to emphasize humility or insignificance, often illustrating Christ’s message that the “least” in society are valued in the Kingdom of God. This understanding is deeply rooted in both classical and biblical Greek, where smallness can reflect humility, insignificance, or the temporal nature of an event.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 10:42: “And whoever gives one of these little ones [μικρός] only a cup of cold water…”

2. Luke 12:32: “Fear not, little [μικρός] flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”

3. Matthew 18:10: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones [μικρός].”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Text with μικρός

Plato Republic “The smaller [μικρός] injustice hides more easily.”

Herodotus Histories “Even the smallest [μικρός] army can become a threat.”

Septuagint Isaiah 60:22 “The smallest [μικρός] will become a thousand, and the least a mighty nation.”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word μικρός (mikrós) provides essential insights into how the New Testament describes smallness, insignificance, and brevity. It appears in both literal and figurative contexts, including children, small amounts of time, or the lowly in society. Mikrós highlights key theological themes, such as humility, the value of the lowly, and the fleeting nature of certain events. This understanding is central to interpreting many passages where Jesus emphasizes the importance of those whom society considers small or insignificant.

Did You Know?

• The word μικρός is the root of the English word “micro,” commonly used in scientific terms like “microscope” and “microcosm.”

• In the New Testament, μικρός often refers to children or those with humble status, emphasizing their importance in God’s kingdom.

• Mikrós also carries a temporal meaning, highlighting the brevity of certain events, such as the shortness of life or a fleeting moment.