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ἐλάσσων

elássōn

G1640 attributive adjective

SILEX Entry

Root ἐλαχ- to be less, to be smaller, to be inferior

Definition

comparative form meaning 'smaller, less, inferior,' primarily denoting that something is of lower size, degree, quantity, importance, or rank in comparison to something else; also signifies 'younger' in age-related contexts. The core idea is relative inferiority or lesser extent in the sphere specified by the context. Semantic range includes physical size, numerical quantity, age, status, rank, and value.

Semantic Range

smaller (in size), lesser (in quantity or value), inferior (in rank or importance), younger (in age), lower (in status), less (in degree or number), under (comparatively beneath), worse (comparative of quality)

Root / Etymology

From the root ἐλαχ- (as in ἐλάχιστος, 'least, smallest'), itself connected to ἐλάττων ('less, inferior') via comparative formation. The form ἐλάσσων is a regular comparative adjective of ἐλαχ-, modeled on standard Greek comparative patterns.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἐλάσσων is a standard comparative adjective used to contrast quantities, sizes, or abstract qualities, often set against μείζων ('greater') or μείζον ('larger, greater'). In Koine and New Testament Greek, it can refer to being 'younger' (especially when describing siblings or generations), of lower importance or rank, or lesser in quantity/quality—contexts include Hebrews 7:7, where it expresses inferiority in status or blessing. It is distinct from ἐλάχριος, which is rare, and is more general than ἐλάχιστος ('least'), which expresses the superlative degree. English translations such as 'less,' 'inferior,' 'younger,' and 'lower' capture aspects of usage but may obscure the comparative, rather than absolute, nature of the term. Not specifically used for religious or ethnic identities; rather, broadly comparative across physical, moral, and social contexts. In the Septuagint, often parallels Hebrew terms for 'lesser' or 'younger.'

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

comparative of the same as ἐλάχιστος; smaller (in size, quantity, age or quality):--less, under, worse, younger.

Root Family

ἐλάσσων (elassōn) — less, smaller, inferior, lower in rank

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G1640-03 ἔλαττον elatton ADJ.S ACC N SG less than the lesser thing 2
G1640-01 ἐλάσσω elasso ADJ.A ACC M SG COMP poorer lesser 1
G1640-02 ἐλάσσονι elassoni ADJ.A DAT M SG COMP to a lesser one 1

Occurrences in Scripture

4 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G1640-01 John 2:10 ἐλάσσω elasso ADJ.A ACC M SG COMP poorer lesser
G1640-02 Romans 9:12 ἐλάσσονι elassoni ADJ.A DAT M SG COMP to a lesser one
G1640-03 1 Timothy 5:9 ἔλαττον elatton ADJ.S ACC N SG less than the lesser thing
G1640-03 Hebrews 7:7 ἔλαττον elatton ADJ.A NOM N SG COMP the lesser thing
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