ἰχθύδιον
ichthýdion
G2485 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Small fish; the diminutive of ἰχθύς indicating a single specimen of fish of small size or, collectively, small fish. In context, it refers precisely to the modest or insignificant size of fish, often in contrast to larger fish or as a humble provision.
Semantic Range
small fish, little fish, meager fish, a few small fish, humble fish provisions
Root / Etymology
From ἰχθύς (fish) with the diminutive suffix -ιον, forming 'small fish' or 'little fish'. Diminutive indicates size rather than affection or triviality.
Historical & Contextual Notes
ἰχθύδιον is a late or Hellenistic diminutive rarely attested outside of Koine sources. In the New Testament (e.g., John 21:9-11), it is used to refer specifically to small fish, distinguishing them from larger catch, and highlighting modest food provisions. The term carries no religious or symbolic connotation in its base meaning but is used narratively in passages about food. Earlier Greek generally uses ἰχθύς for fish, while the diminutive form emerges in Koine Greek. English translations often use 'fish,' 'small fish,' or 'little fish,' but the nuance of the diminutive is not always conveyed, potentially obscuring the sense of a meager or simple meal. In the Septuagint, the form is rare or unattested.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
diminutive from ἰχθύς; a petty fish:--little (small) fish.
Root Family
ἰχθύδιον (ichthydion) — fish, small fish, diminutive fish specimen
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2485-01 |
ἰχθύδια | ichthudia | N ACC N PL |
small fish | small fish | small fish | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2485-01 |
Matthew 15:34 | ἰχθύδια | ichthudia | N ACC N PL |
small fish | small fish | small fish |
G2485-01 |
Mark 8:7 | ἰχθύδια | ichthudia | N ACC N PL |
small fishes | small fish | small fish |