ἐλάχιστος
eláchistos
G1646 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Superlative form meaning 'smallest' or 'least'—that is, the one of lowest rank, value, size, or importance among a group. It denotes the very lowest point in a comparison, whether in physical size, quantity, degree, age, authority, or esteem. Also used to express humility or insignificance in social or ethical contexts, as well as the minimal amount or degree of something.
Semantic Range
smallest in size, least in rank, lowest in importance, youngest, least in number, least in value, least in dignity, least in age, most insignificant, minimal
Root / Etymology
From the root ἐλ- (short), which is also seen in ἐλαχύς ('small, little'), with the addition of the superlative ending -ιστος. Related to the comparative ἐλάσσων ('less, smaller'). Cognate with Latin 'elic' in archaic forms, ultimately from PIE *h₁el- ('small').
Historical & Contextual Notes
Earliest attested in classical and later Greek, where ἐλάχιστος serves as the regular superlative of 'small, little.' In the Koine period (including the Septuagint and New Testament), it often appears as the opposite of μέγιστος ('greatest') or μέγας ('great'), contrasting the one of least significance, value, or power with those of greater standing. In the New Testament, the term is frequently used to express humility—e.g., regarding oneself as the 'least' among the apostles or least in the kingdom—often as a rhetorical or ethical device. In some contexts, the word can denote the youngest or one considered unimportant or of low status. English versions often translate ἐλάχιστος with 'least,' 'smallest,' or 'very little.' However, translation as 'least' can mask the variation between categories such as size, number, importance, or age, all of which the Greek term may encompass.
Translation Consistency
‘Least’ is the most natural, widely used English rendering that covers the full semantic range of ἐλᾱ́χιστος (smallest in size, lowest in rank, least in value or importance, youngest, most insignificant). It appears across the majority of attested renderings and functions smoothly as both adjective and substantive (e.g., “the least”), ensuring consistent, natural phrasing in all contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
superlative of (short); used as equivalent to μικρός; least (in size, amount, dignity, etc.):--least, very little (small), smallest.
Root Family
ἐλάχιστος (elachistos) — smallest, least, most insignificant, lowest in rank or value
Word Forms
5 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1646-03 |
ἐλαχίστων | elachiston | ADJ.A GEN F PL SUPL |
least | of the least ones | least ones | 6 |
G1646-02 |
ἐλαχίστῳ | elachisto | ADJ.S DAT N SG |
a very little thing | to the least thing | the least thing | 3 |
G1646-04 |
ἐλάχιστος | elachistos | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
least | the least one | least | 2 |
G1646-05 |
ἐλαχίστου | elachistou | ADJ.A GEN N SG SUPL |
very small | of the least thing | of the least thing | 1 |
G1646-01 |
ἐλαχίστη | elachiste | ADJ.P NOM F SG |
least | the least one | the least one | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
13 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1646-01 |
Matthew 2:6 | ἐλαχίστη | elachiste | ADJ.P NOM F SG |
least | the least one | the least one |
G1646-03 |
Matthew 5:19 | ἐλαχίστων | elachiston | ADJ.A GEN F PL SUPL |
least | of the least ones | of the least ones |
G1646-04 |
Matthew 5:19 | ἐλάχιστος | elachistos | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
least | the least one | least |
G1646-03 |
Matthew 25:40 | ἐλαχίστων | elachiston | ADJ.A GEN M PL SUPL |
least | of the least ones | least ones |
G1646-03 |
Matthew 25:45 | ἐλαχίστων | elachiston | ADJ.S GEN M PL |
least | of the least ones | least ones |
G1646-03 |
Luke 12:26 | ἐλάχιστον | elachiston | ADJ.S ACC N SG |
the least | of the least ones | the least |
G1646-02 |
Luke 16:10 | ἐλαχίστῳ | elachisto | ADJ.S DAT N SG |
a very little thing | to the least thing | the least thing |
G1646-02 |
Luke 16:10 | ἐλαχίστῳ | elachisto-2 | ADJ.S DAT N SG |
a very little thing | to the least thing | the least thing |
G1646-02 |
Luke 19:17 | ἐλαχίστῳ | elachisto | ADJ.S DAT N SG |
a very little | to the least thing | the least thing |
G1646-03 |
1 Corinthians 4:3 | ἐλάχιστόν | elachiston | ADJ.S ACC N SG |
a very small thing | of the least ones | the least thing |