μικρόν
mikrón
G3397
SILEX Entry
Definition
A small amount, a little; used to refer to something slight in extent, degree, or duration—such as a brief period of time (‘a little while’), a small quantity, or a short distance. In Koine contexts, especially denotes a short span or slight amount, often temporally (‘only a little while’) or as an adverbial phrase (‘soon’ or ‘briefly’).
Semantic Range
a little, a small amount, a short time, a brief moment, by a little, for a little while
Root / Etymology
From μικρός ('small,' 'little') with the neuter form used adverbially or substantivally; formed by the root μικρ- and the neuter ending -όν.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, μικρόν is the neuter singular of μικρός, meaning 'little' or 'small,' with its earliest uses referring to physical or metaphorical smallness. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, especially in the Septuagint and the New Testament, μικρόν is frequently used adverbially or as a substantive to denote a short period of time or a slight amount—for example, in expressions like μικρὸν ὕστερον (‘a little later’) or ἔτι μικρόν (‘yet a little while’). Standard English translations commonly render it 'a little,' 'a little while,' or 'shortly,' but this can obscure the subtle range between temporal, spatial, and qualitative smallness. Some interpretive language traditions have narrowed the usage to time alone, but the original Greek usage allows for both temporal and degree/scope nuances. Related adjectives that contrast with μικρός/μικρόν include μέγας ('great,' 'large') and βραχύς (‘short,’ often pertaining to time). In some Septuagint passages, μικρόν can refer to degree ('a little,' as in Ezekiel 11:16); in the New Testament, see John 7:33, 12:35 (‘a little while’). The term commonly appears in adverbial constructions and is not typically masculine as a noun. There is no significant difference in meaning between LXX, NT, and other Koine writings aside from context-specific nuance.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
masculine or neuter singular of μικρός (as noun); a small space of time or degree:--a (little) (while).
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 total occurrences
No occurrences found.