ἐλαττόω
elattóō
G1642 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To make less, to diminish in size, amount, importance, or status; to lower or reduce (in rank, power, influence, significance, or quantity). The core meaning is to cause something or someone to become diminished or inferior relative to a comparison or former state. Used both literally (in physical or quantitative decrease) and figuratively (as in status or honor).
Semantic Range
to make less, to diminish, to reduce rank, to lower status, to make inferior, to humble, to decrease in quantity, to deprive
Root / Etymology
From the comparative stem ἐλᾴσσων (elassōn, 'lesser, inferior'), ultimately related to ἐλάσσων as a comparative form of μικρός ('small, little') or related adjectives. The verb is a causative form, meaning to make less or to diminish.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἐλαττόω appears infrequently and typically means 'to lessen, to make inferior.' In Koine usage, it appears most notably in the New Testament (e.g., John 3:30: 'He must increase, I must decrease'), where the sense is often figurative: reducing one's prominence, rank, or influence (especially in honor or public attention). The term can refer to situational inferiority, such as being made second in command, losing honor, or suffering deprivation. The Septuagint sometimes uses it to translate Hebrew verbs meaning 'to humble,' 'to bring low,' or 'to diminish,' emphasizing a lowering of status, prominence, or prosperity. The English translation 'decrease' or 'make lower' often obscures the nuanced sense of relational or comparative inferiority, both socially and existentially. The verb is sometimes used in tandem with words for increase (αὐξάνω), highlighting a dynamic of shifting status or importance. Contrast with ὑψόω ('to exalt, lift up'), which expresses the opposite movement.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐλάσσων; to lessen (in rank or influence):--decrease, make lower.
Root Family
ἐλαττόω (elattoō) — to lessen, to diminish, to lower, to make inferior
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1642-01 |
ἠλαττωμένον | elattomenon | V PRF PASS PTCP ACC M SG |
having been diminished | 1 | |
G1642-02 |
ἠλάττωσας | elattosas | V AOR ACT IND 2P SG |
you were diminishing | 1 | |
G1642-03 |
ἐλαττοῦσθαι | elattousthai | V PRS MID INF |
decrease | to be diminished | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1642-03 |
John 3:30 | ἐλαττοῦσθαι | elattousthai | V PRS MID INF |
decrease | to be diminished |
G1642-02 |
Hebrews 2:7 | ἠλάττωσας | elattosas | V AOR ACT IND 2P SG |
you were diminishing | |
G1642-01 |
Hebrews 2:9 | ἠλαττωμένον | elattomenon | V PRF PASS PTCP ACC M SG |
having been diminished |