ἐλαφρία (elaphria)
elaphria
lightness
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun elaphria denotes a quality of lightness that extends beyond physical weight to describe mental or moral instability. In the New Testament, it carries a distinctly negative connotation, referring to levity, fickleness, or a lack of seriousness in one’s convictions.
Derived from the adjective elaphros, which means "light" or "easy," the term captures the idea of being easily swayed or lacking depth. It appears only once in Scripture, in Second Corinthians 11:5, where Paul contrasts his own apostolic authority with those who seek to diminish it. Here, the word highlights a frivolous attitude that undermines spiritual seriousness.
Translators typically render elaphria as "levity" or "fickleness," emphasizing the instability of mind rather than mere physical lightness. The usage serves as a warning against superficial faith that shifts with circumstances rather than remaining grounded in truth.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Paul uses this rare word in Second Corinthians to describe a spirit of instability. It is not just about being casual; it points to a heart that lacks firm conviction and shifts with every changing wind. When we face difficult decisions or conflicting opinions, our natural tendency might be to avoid commitment so we do not offend anyone.
Yet Scripture calls us to steadiness in our faith. This word reminds us that spiritual maturity involves standing firm on truth even when it is unpopular. Rather than seeking approval through flexibility, we are invited to anchor our lives in the unchanging character of God. His promises provide the weight and stability our souls need.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- levity1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐλαφρίᾳ1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 1:17
When I therefore planned this, did I show fickleness? Or the things that I plan, do I plan according to the flesh, that with me there should be the “Yes, yes” and the “No, no?”
Paul uses this term here to defend his integrity, showing that his plans were not driven by a desire to please people but by a consistent commitment to God's truth.