ἐλαττονέω (elattoneō)
elattoneō
to have little
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb elattoneō is a rare New Testament term meaning to have little or to lack something. It appears only once in the Greek Bible, in 2 Corinthians 8:15, where Paul quotes Exodus 16:18 regarding the gathering of manna in the wilderness.
Its core sense is simply being less than another, particularly in material possessions. The word derives from elattōn, meaning "smaller" or "lesser." In this specific context, it describes a state of not having enough to meet one's needs, contrasting with those who have an abundance.
Paul uses this single instance to illustrate the principle of equality among believers. He argues that just as the Israelites experienced neither surplus nor scarcity, so too should the Corinthian church ensure that no member is in want while others have plenty. The term highlights a practical concern for economic balance within the community rather than abstract theology.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word elattoneō appears just once in the New Testament, tucked inside Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. He uses it to describe a state of having little or lacking enough for daily needs. In that moment, Paul was not writing abstract theology but addressing a real economic imbalance in the church. Some believers had plenty while others struggled to eat.
This rare term reminds us that God cares about practical fairness. When Paul quotes Exodus, he shows that the manna gathering was designed so no one had too much and no one went without. The goal was equality within the community. Your resources are not just for your own comfort but for the good of others.
When you see someone in need, remember this word. It calls us to share so that everyone has enough. This simple act of generosity reflects God’s heart for justice and care. May we always look out for one another with open hands and willing hearts.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- lacked.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἠλαττόνησεν.¶1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 8:15
As it is written, “He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.”
Paul uses this word to describe those who gathered little manna, ensuring they had no lack, which illustrates his principle of economic equality in the church.