ἐλάχιστος (elachistos)
elachistos
least
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective elachistos means "least" or "smallest," serving as the superlative form of a root meaning "little." In the New Testament, it describes things that are minimal in size, amount, or importance. The sources note that while it can function as a standard superlative, it is often used intensively to emphasize the lowest possible degree.
This word carries significant weight in Jesus' teachings and Paul's letters. In Matthew 5:19, elachistos describes even the smallest commandment, highlighting that no detail of God's law is insignificant. Similarly, in Matthew 25:40, Jesus identifies himself with the "least" of his brothers, showing that service to those with the lowest social standing is service to him.
Paul uses the term to describe his own spiritual status in 1 Corinthians 15:9, calling himself the "least" of the apostles. This usage underscores a profound humility, acknowledging that his position was not earned by merit but received by grace. The word consistently points to those on the margins, reminding readers that value in God's kingdom is often found in what the world considers insignificant.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word elachistos reminds us that God’s eyes see what the world overlooks. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus identifies Himself with the 'least' of people, showing that serving those on the margins is direct service to Him. This shifts our focus from status to compassion, inviting us to value others not for their power but for their inherent worth in God’s sight.
Paul also uses this term in 1 Corinthians 15:9, calling himself the 'least' of the apostles. His humility was not self-pity but a recognition that his ministry came entirely by grace. This word encourages us to find peace in our own smallness, knowing that God uses humble hearts to display His strength and love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- least4×
- very little3×
- least,2×
- very least1×
- of the smallest?1×
- a very small1×
- [the] smallest matter1×
- [the] least1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐλαχίστῳ3×
- ἐλάχιστος2×
- ἐλαχίστων,2×
- ἐλάχιστόν1×
- ἐλάχιστον1×
- ἐλαχίστων;1×
- ἐλαχίστων1×
- ἐλαχίστου1×
- ἐλαχίστη1×
- ἐλαχιστοτέρῳ1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 25:40
“The King will answer them, ‘Most certainly I tell you, because you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
Jesus equates service to the marginalized with service to Himself, defining kingdom value by humility rather than status.
-
Matthew 5:19
Therefore, whoever shall break one of these least commandments and teach others to do so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever shall do and teach them shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Jesus highlights that even the smallest commandment matters, warning against dismissing minor details of God's will as insignificant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does elachistos mean in the New Testament?
How is elachistos different from mikros?
Where does this word appear most significantly?
Every Occurrence (12 verses across 5 books)
Matthew 4 verses
‘You Bethlehem, land of Judah, are in no way least among the princes of Judah; for out of you shall come a governor who…
Matthew 5:19Therefore, whoever shall break one of these least commandments and teach others to do so, shall be called least in the…
Matthew 25:40“The King will answer them, ‘Most certainly I tell you, because you did it to one of the least of these my brothers,…
Matthew 25:45“Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Most certainly I tell you, because you didn’t do it to one of the least of these,…