βραχύς (brachus)
brachus
little
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek adjective brachus describes something small in size, brief in duration, or limited in amount. It functions as a straightforward descriptor for physical distance, quantity, or time, carrying no inherent moral weight. In the New Testament, it appears seven times, primarily within the books of Acts, Luke, and Hebrews.
Its usage highlights the temporary nature of certain experiences or the modest scale of available resources. For instance, Peter’s denial occurs after a short interval (Luke 22:58), and the apostles face a brief period of restraint before their release (Acts 5:34). In Hebrews, it contrasts the fleeting present with eternal realities, noting that Christ was made lower than the angels for a little while (Hebrews 2:7, 9).
The word also measures physical space and verbal economy. Sailors judge a short distance from shore in Acts 27:28, while the author of Hebrews describes his letter as written briefly (Hebrews 13:22). This lexical precision allows translators to convey exact limitations without adding emotional commentary.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word brachus reminds us that our current struggles are temporary. In Hebrews, it describes how Jesus was made a little lower than the angels for a short time to suffer death. This brief period of humiliation was not the end of His story but the necessary path to glory. It offers comfort when we feel overwhelmed by the weight of our own trials.
We also see this word in Acts, where the apostles were held for a little while before being released. These short intervals of waiting or confinement were part of God’s larger plan. Even when circumstances seem limited or time feels scarce, there is purpose in the pause. The brevity of our pain does not diminish its reality, but it does promise an end.
This word encourages us to look beyond the immediate moment. Whether facing a short delay or a long season of waiting, we can trust that God’s timing is perfect. Our faith rests not in the length of our struggle, but in the constancy of His presence through it.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a little3×
- little [piece]1×
- for a short1×
- few words1×
- A little1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- βραχύ3×
- βραχὺ3×
- βραχέων1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 2:7
You made him a little lower than the angels. You crowned him with glory and honor.
This verse uses brachus to highlight the temporary nature of Christ's humiliation before His exaltation.
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Hebrews 2:9
But we see him who has been made a little lower than the angels, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God he should taste of death for everyone.
Here the word emphasizes the brevity of Jesus' suffering in relation to His eternal glory and purpose.
-
Acts 5:34
But one stood up in the council, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, honored by all the people, and commanded to put the apostles out for a little while.
The phrase indicates a short delay in the council's decision, showing how divine timing often works through human pauses.