ἐλαττονέω
elattonéō
G1641 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To be less, diminish, fall short, or lack; primarily, to be inferior in number, degree, quality, or status. The verb can involve failing to reach a standard or expectation, being deficient, or occupying a lesser position in comparison with another person or standard.
Semantic Range
to be less (in number, quality, status), to diminish, to fall short, to lack, to not attain a goal or expected status, to be inferior or surpassed
Root / Etymology
From the comparative adjective ἐλάσσων (less, smaller, inferior), itself from the Greek root ἐλαττ-; the verb ending -έω signifies an action related to becoming or being less.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἐλαττονέω is rare but generally conveys the notion of being surpassed or being at a disadvantage in comparison, whether numerically, morally, or in rank. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, including the Septuagint and the New Testament, it expresses lacking, being inferior, or coming short of a goal or expectation. The word frequently appears in contexts contrasting achievement, inheritance, or status: e.g., in Heb 4:1 it refers to falling short of entering a promised rest, not merely numerical deficiency but failure to attain a promised good. Standard English renderings such as 'lack' or 'fall short' approximate its meaning, but the notion of comparative inferiority or failure to reach a set point is essential. It contrasts with terms like ὑστερέω (to lack, be deprived), which may reference a more absolute lack rather than a comparison. The Septuagint may use it in connection with loss or reduction of status or inheritance (cf. Num 9:7). The nuance of not measuring up or failing to attain a status is central to its New Testament usage, with implications that go beyond quantitative lack and into qualitative or relational domains.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐλάσσων; to diminish, i.e. fall short:--have lack.
Root Family
ἐλαττονέω (elattonéō) — to be less, to diminish, to be inferior, to fall short
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1641-01 |
ἠλαττόνησεν | elattonesen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
became less | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1641-01 |
2 Corinthians 8:15 | ἠλαττόνησεν | elattonesen | V AOR ACT IND 3P SG |
became less |