ἐλαφρός (elaphros)
elaphros
light
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective elaphros describes something that is light in weight and easy to bear. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, yet it carries a significant theological contrast. Matthew uses it to describe the yoke Jesus offers, framing discipleship not as a crushing burden but as something manageable and gentle (Matthew 11:30). This usage shifts the focus from physical heaviness to the experience of relief.
Paul employs the same word in 2 Corinthians 4:17 to characterize present sufferings. He contrasts this "light affliction" with an eternal weight of glory, emphasizing that current trials are temporary and relatively minor compared to the future hope. The term does not deny pain; rather, it reorients the perspective on its duration and impact.
Its root likely connects to concepts of agility or quickness, suggesting something that moves without resistance. Translators often render it as "light," but the underlying sense is one of non-burdensomeness. This word reminds readers that the Christian path, while involving struggle, is designed to be carried with grace rather than crushed by weight.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word elaphros offers a gentle reassurance about the nature of following Jesus. It describes something light in weight, easy to bear, and free from crushing pressure. When Jesus speaks of His yoke being elaphros, He is not dismissing the reality of discipline or effort. Instead, He invites us into a way of life that does not overwhelm our capacity to endure.
This same word appears in Paul’s letters to describe present sufferings. He calls them light afflictions, not because pain is unimportant, but because they are temporary and manageable when viewed against the backdrop of eternal glory. The term shifts our focus from the heaviness of the moment to the hope that sustains us through it.
For your faith, this means you do not have to carry burdens alone or in despair. The path of discipleship is designed to be carried with grace. Even when trials feel heavy, they are fleeting compared to the weightless peace that awaits those who trust in Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- lightness1×
- light1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐλαφρόν1×
- ἐλαφρὸν1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 11:30
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
This verse defines elaphros as a yoke that is easy and light, contrasting Jesus’ invitation with the heavy burdens of legalism.
-
II Corinthians 4:17
For our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory,
Here Paul uses the word to show that current sufferings are temporary and light when measured against eternal glory.