ἐλάχιστος
elachistos
least
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word ἐλάχιστος (elachistos) is a superlative form, meaning "least" in terms of size, quantity, or importance. It is used 14 times in the Bible to convey a sense of minimal or smallest quality. This word is often used in contrast to a larger or greater quantity, emphasizing the smallest or most insignificant aspect of something. The range of usage for ἐλάχιστος is quite broad, appearing in various contexts such as comparisons of size (e.g., Matthew 20:16), quantity (e.g., Luke 15:17), and even value (e.g., 1 Corinthians 15:9). This word is often used to highlight the smallest or most insignificant aspect of a situation, drawing attention to the comparative nature of the subject being discussed. The significance of ἐλάχιστος lies in its ability to convey a sense of perspective and proportion. By emphasizing the smallest or least aspect of something, the author or speaker is able to draw attention to the comparative nature of the subject, often to make a point about the relative importance or value of the thing being discussed.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
14 total occurrences across the text
‘You Bethlehem, land of Judah, are in no way least among the princes of Judah: for out of you shall come a governor, who shall shepherd my people, Israel.’ ”
Matthew 5:19Whoever, therefore, shall break one of these least commandments, and teach others to do so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever shall do and teach them shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew 5:19Whoever, therefore, shall break one of these least commandments, and teach others to do so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever shall do and teach them shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Matthew 25:40“The King will answer them, ‘Most certainly I tell you, because you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
Matthew 25:45“Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Most certainly I tell you, because you didn’t do it to one of the least of these, you didn’t do it to me.’
Luke 12:26If then you aren’t able to do even the least things, why are you anxious about the rest?
Luke 16:10He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much. He who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.
Luke 16:10He who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much. He who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.
Luke 19:17“He said to him, ‘Well done, you good servant! Because you were found faithful with very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’
1 Corinthians 4:3But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you, or by man’s judgment. Yes, I don’t judge my own self.
1 Corinthians 6:2Don’t you know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
1 Corinthians 15:9For I am the least of the apostles, who is not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the assembly of God.
Ephesians 3:8To me, the very least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,
James 3:4Behold, the ships also, though they are so big and are driven by fierce winds, are yet guided by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot desires.