ἐλάσσων (elassōn)
elassōn
lesser
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The word elassōn serves as the comparative form of mikros, meaning "small," and translates to "lesser" or "inferior." It describes something that is smaller in size, younger in age, or lower in rank and quality. In the New Testament, it appears only four times, often highlighting a hierarchy where one person or thing is subordinate to another.
This term carries significant weight in theological arguments about authority and status. For instance, Hebrews 7:7 notes that the lesser is blessed by the greater, establishing a clear order of precedence. Similarly, Romans 9:12 uses it to describe Jacob as the lesser brother chosen over Esau, emphasizing divine selection rather than human merit. In 1 Timothy 5:9, the neuter form refers to widows who are "lesser" in age, setting a specific criterion for support.
Its usage underscores a relational dynamic where distinction is based on objective measures like age or social standing. Translators typically render it as "less" or "younger," preserving the straightforward comparison without adding emotional nuance. The word remains a precise tool for describing relative position within biblical narratives.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word elassōn simply means 'lesser' or 'smaller.' It is a comparative term that helps us understand how people and things are ranked in biblical narratives. Whether it refers to age, status, or quality, this word points to a clear order of precedence. In many cases, it highlights that the greater blesses the lesser, establishing a respectful hierarchy.
For your faith, this reminds us that value is not always about being first or largest. Sometimes God chooses the younger over the older, as seen in Romans 9:12. This can be comforting when you feel overlooked or insignificant. It shows that divine selection often works differently than human expectations.
We see this dynamic in Hebrews 7:7, where the lesser is blessed by the greater. This truth encourages us to accept our place with humility and trust that God’s order is just. It invites us to find peace in being part of a larger plan, rather than striving for the top spot.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- younger;1×
- less1×
- inferior;1×
- inferior1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἔλαττον2×
- ἐλάσσω·1×
- ἐλάσσονι·1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 9:12
it was said to her, “The elder will serve the younger.”
This verse uses the word to show that God's choice of Jacob over Esau was based on His sovereign will, not human merit or birth order.
-
Hebrews 7:7
But without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater.
Here the term establishes a theological principle that authority flows from the greater to the lesser, confirming Melchizedek's superior priesthood.
-
John 2:10
and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when the guests have drunk freely, then that which is worse. You have kept the good wine until now!”
Although often translated as 'worse,' this instance compares wine quality, illustrating how the best is saved for last in God's timing.