ἰχθύδιον (ichthudion)
ichthudion
little fish
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The word ichthudion refers to a small fish, specifically appearing in the accounts of Jesus feeding large crowds. It is the diminutive form of the standard word for fish, highlighting the modesty of the provision. This term appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark during the miracle where five loaves and two fish are multiplied to feed thousands.
By using this specific diminutive, the text underscores the inadequacy of the initial offering before divine intervention. The small size of the fish contrasts sharply with the vast number of people present, emphasizing that the miracle relies not on the quantity of resources but on Jesus’ blessing. Translators consistently render it as "little fish" to preserve this sense of scale and humility in the narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for "little fish" appears in the Gospels during the feeding of the five thousand and the four thousand. It is a diminutive term, highlighting how small and insignificant the offering seemed before Jesus took it into His hands. This detail reminds us that God does not need grand resources to work miracles; He uses what we have, however modest it may be.
When you feel your contributions are too small to make a difference, remember this scene. The disciples brought only two tiny fish and five loaves, yet they were enough for thousands. Your faithfulness in offering what you possess allows God to multiply it beyond your imagination. Trust Him with the little things, for He is faithful with the great.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- small fish.1×
- small fish1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἰχθύδια.1×
- ἰχθύδια1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 15:34
Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven, and a few small fish.”
This verse records Jesus asking about the resources available, highlighting the smallness of the fish before the miracle begins.
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Mark 8:7
They also had a few small fish. Having blessed them, he said to serve these also.
Here the text explicitly mentions blessing the few small fish alongside the bread, showing that every part of the offering was sanctified by Jesus.