ἐλαφρός
elaphrós
G1645 predicate adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Light in weight or burden, easy to bear or endure; by extension, of little importance or insignificant. The primary lexical meaning is 'having little weight,' but it may also denote something not burdensome, or metaphorically something slight or of minor consequence.
Semantic Range
light in weight, not heavy, easy to carry or endure, slight or insignificant, of minor consequence
Root / Etymology
From the root ἐλαφ-, likely related to ἐλαύνω ('to drive, to set in motion') and possibly connected to the same base as ἐλάσσων ('less, smaller'); however, the precise etymological relationship is uncertain and may be pre-Greek.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἐλαφρός primarily denoted the literal sense of 'light in weight,' applying to physical objects (e.g., ἱμάτιον ἐλαφρόν, 'a light cloak'). It was also used figuratively to indicate something easy or not difficult (e.g., a task or obligation). In the Septuagint and New Testament, ἐλαφρός retains these nuances, often in opposition to βαρύς ('heavy, burdensome'), as in 2 Corinthians 4:17 where Paul uses it of 'a light affliction' (τὸ ἐλαφρὸν τῆς θλίψεως), emphasizing the slightness or transience of suffering compared to future glory. In Hellenistic Greek, the word can describe anything of minor cost or significance, or something easily managed. Later translation traditions often render the term as 'light' or 'easy,' but English versions may at times obscure the contrast with 'heavy' and the possible sense of insignificance.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably akin to ἐλαύνω and the base of ἐλάσσων; light, i.e. easy:--light.
Root Family
ἐλαφρός (elaphrós) — light in weight, easy to bear, of little consequence
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1645-01 |
ἐλαφρόν | elaphron | ADJ.P NOM N SG |
light | light | light | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1645-01 |
Matthew 11:30 | ἐλαφρόν | elaphron | ADJ.P NOM N SG |
light | light | light |
G1645-01 |
2 Corinthians 4:17 | ἐλαφρὸν | elaphron | ADJ.S NOM N SG |
light | light | light |