ὀλίγος (oligos)
oligos
little/few
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 43 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek adjective oligos simply denotes smallness in number, size, or duration. It describes a quantity that is limited rather than abundant, appearing frequently in the Gospels and Acts to characterize things as "few" or "little." For instance, Jesus observes that the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few (Matthew 9:37), and Peter notes that only a small number of people were saved in Noah’s time (1 Peter 3:20). The word covers physical dimensions, counts of people, and brief periods of time.
Its meaning shifts slightly depending on context. When used as a neuter singular noun, it refers to a small amount or degree, such as the "little" faith that Jesus contrasts with great forgiveness in Luke 7:47. It also forms common phrases like oligon, meaning "a little while," which Peter uses to describe how believers endure trials for a short season (1 Peter 5:10). In Acts, it often appears in the phrase ouk oligos ("not few") to emphasize that a crowd or result was surprisingly large.
A notable feature of this word is its use in contrast to abundance. While not always explicitly paired with its opposite, its theological weight often lies in highlighting scarcity against divine sufficiency. The sources highlight Luke 12:48, where the text contrasts "few" blows with many, illustrating that greater knowledge brings stricter judgment. This usage underscores that oligos is not merely a neutral descriptor of size but often points to a significant limitation or a specific, bounded reality.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we look at our own spiritual resources, it is easy to feel that our faith or our efforts are too small to make a difference. The word oligos reminds us that God does not measure success by the size of what we bring to Him. In Matthew 25:21, Jesus commends the servant who was faithful over "few things." This suggests that the value of our work lies in faithfulness to the small tasks before us, rather than in their apparent magnitude.
God’s power is often made perfect in these moments of limitation. Just as the harvest is plentiful but the laborers are few, we might feel outnumbered or under-resourced. Yet, this scarcity invites us to rely on divine strength rather than our own capacity. The "little" faith that Jesus speaks of is still enough for Him to move mountains, because His power does not depend on the volume of our belief.
This perspective brings a quiet comfort. We do not need to generate abundance on our own. When we offer what little we have—our time, our attention, or our small acts of kindness—God uses it to accomplish much more than we can imagine. It is an invitation to trust that He multiplies the faithful use of small things.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 43 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- few6×
- little5×
- small4×
- a little4×
- a few things3×
- a few3×
- a little while2×
- a few.2×
- [are] few;2×
- so little [time]1×
- on a few1×
- for a little while1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὀλίγον11×
- ὀλίγα6×
- ὀλίγοι5×
- ὀλίγῳ3×
- ὀλίγων2×
- ὀλίγος2×
- ὀλίγοι·2×
- ὀλίγῳ,1×
- ὀλίγου1×
- ὀλίγον·1×
- ὀλίγον.1×
- ὀλίγοις1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 25:21
“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
Jesus contrasts being faithful over "few things" with ruling over "many," showing that stewardship of small responsibilities is the path to greater trust.
-
Matthew 9:37
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest indeed is plentiful, but the laborers are few.
The word highlights the scarcity of workers compared to the abundant harvest, urging prayer for divine provision in labor.
-
Luke 12:48
but he who didn’t know, and did things worthy of stripes, will be beaten with few stripes. To whomever much is given, of him will much be required; and to whom much was entrusted, of him more will be asked.
It distinguishes between "few stripes" and many, linking the degree of knowledge received to the seriousness of accountability.
-
Matthew 7:14
How narrow is the gate and the way is restricted that leads to life! There are few who find it.
The description of "few" who find life emphasizes the narrowness of the path rather than a statistical guarantee of exclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does oligos mean in the New Testament?
How is oligos different from mikros?
Does the Bible view having "little" faith negatively?
Where else does this word appear?
Every Occurrence (43 verses across 11 books)
Matthew 7 verses
How narrow is the gate and the way is restricted that leads to life! There are few who find it.
Matthew 9:37Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest indeed is plentiful, but the laborers are few.
Matthew 15:34Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” They said, “Seven, and a few small fish.”
Matthew 20:16So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Matthew 22:14For many are called, but few chosen.”
Matthew 25:21“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you…
Matthew 25:23“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things. I will set you…