"used as the superlative of μικρός, smallest, least, Mt. 2:6; 5:19"
Definition and meaning
used as the superlative of μικρός, smallest, least, Mt. 2:6; 5:19
In the original Greek the word is written: ἐλάχιστος
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of elachistos (G1646) across the King James Bible.
And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
If ye then be not able to do that thing which is least, why take ye thought for the rest?
He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.
And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.
Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.
Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
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Common questions
Strong's G1646 (elachistos) is a Greek word that means: used as the superlative of μικρός, smallest, least, Mt. 2:6; 5:19 It appears 10 times in the King James Bible.
The word elachistos (G1646) appears 10 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G1646 is elachistos, a Greek word defined as: used as the superlative of μικρός, smallest, least, Mt. 2:6; 5:19. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
elachistos is a Greek word found in the New Testament.