comparative of the same as ἐλάχιστος; smaller (in size, quantity, age or quality):--less, under, worse, younger.
Transliteration:elássōn
Pronunciation:el-at-tone'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective ἐλάσσων (G1640, transliterated as *elássōn*) serves as the comparative form of ἐλάχιστος (`{{G1646}}`), meaning "least" or "smallest." Consequently, ἐλάσσων denotes a comparative degree of diminishment, signifying "smaller," "lesser," "inferior," "younger," or "of less account." Its semantic range encompasses various dimensions:
1. **Size or Quantity:** Indicating something physically smaller or numerically fewer.
2. **Age:** Referring to a younger individual in a chronological sense.
3. **Quality or Rank:** Implying inferiority in status, value, or importance.
In every instance, ἐλάσσων inherently implies a comparison, positing one entity as "less" in relation to another that is "greater" or "superior."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἐλάσσων appears three times in the New Testament, each instance carrying significant contextual implications:
1. **[[Romans 9:12]]**: "it was said to her, 'The older will serve the younger.'" Here, ἐλάσσων refers to Jacob, who was chronologically younger than his twin brother Esau. This verse is crucial within Paul's discourse on divine election. The prophecy from [[Genesis 25:23]] (which the Septuagint also translates with ἐλάσσων) is cited to demonstrate that God's choice is not based on human merit, birth order, or natural law, but on His sovereign purpose. The "younger" (Jacob), the one naturally "lesser" in terms of birthright, is chosen to serve the "older," subverting conventional expectations and highlighting God's freedom in election.
2. **[[1 Timothy 5:9]]**: "No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty years old." In this pastoral instruction, ἐλάσσων is used in a numerical sense, establishing a minimum age requirement. The phrase "not less than sixty years old" sets a practical criterion for enrollment in the church's list of supported widows, emphasizing a certain level of maturity and stability for those receiving communal aid.
3. **[[Hebrews 7:7]]**: "And without doubt the lesser is blessed by the greater." This verse is a pivotal statement in the author's argument for the superiority of the Melchizedekian priesthood over the Levitical. The principle articulated is that the one who is "lesser" (ὁ ἐλάσσων) receives a blessing from the one who is "greater" (ὁ κρείττων). Since Abraham, the patriarch of the Jewish nation and recipient of God's covenant promises, was blessed by Melchizedek, it logically follows that Melchizedek holds a superior position. This sets the stage for demonstrating Christ's even greater superiority as a priest in the order of Melchizedek.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Antonym/Opposite:** The direct antonym is often implied by context, but words like μείζων (`{{G3187}}`, "greater, larger") or πρεσβύτερος (`{{G4245}}`, "older, elder") stand in contrast.
* **Superlative Form:** ἐλάχιστος (`{{G1646}}`, "least, smallest, humblest") is the superlative from which ἐλάσσων is derived. While ἐλάσσων indicates "less," ἐλάχιστος denotes the absolute "least."
* **Theological Concepts:** The word touches upon themes of divine election, hierarchy, superiority and inferiority, and the establishment of divine order. It often functions to highlight a reversal of human expectations or to underscore a divinely ordained distinction in rank or status.
### Theological Significance
The theological import of ἐλάσσων is profound, especially in its two key theological contexts:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Election:** In [[Romans 9:12]], the application of ἐλάσσων to Jacob underscores the radical nature of God's elective purpose. God's choice of the "younger" over the "older" demonstrates that His election is not based on human merit, natural birthright, or any pre-existing human condition, but solely on His sovereign will and purpose. This passage challenges human assumptions about privilege and highlights God's freedom to choose whom He wills, even subverting natural order to fulfill His divine plan. It emphasizes that God's grace is unmerited and His call is efficacious.
2. **Christ's Priestly Superiority:** The use of ἐλάσσων in [[Hebrews 7:7]] is a cornerstone of the argument for the supremacy of Christ's Melchizedekian priesthood. The established principle that "the lesser is blessed by the greater" provides an irrefutable logical basis for understanding Melchizedek's preeminence over Abraham, and by extension, Christ's ultimate superiority over the Levitical priesthood. This demonstrates that the new covenant, mediated by Christ, is fundamentally superior to the old, providing a more perfect and eternal means of atonement and access to God. The word thus contributes to the high Christology of the book of Hebrews, affirming Christ's unique and ultimate priestly office.
### Summary
ἐλάσσων (G1640) is a comparative adjective meaning "smaller," "lesser," "younger," or "inferior." Though simple in its grammatical function, its New Testament occurrences carry significant theological weight. In [[Romans 9:12]], it highlights God's sovereign election, demonstrating His unmerited choice of the "younger" (Jacob) over the "older" (Esau), challenging human notions of merit and birthright. In [[Hebrews 7:7]], it establishes a crucial principle of hierarchy, asserting that "the lesser is blessed by the greater," thereby demonstrating the superiority of Melchizedek's priesthood and, by extension, the ultimate supremacy of Christ's priestly ministry. Finally, in [[1 Timothy 5:9]], it serves a practical purpose, setting an age requirement for widows. Across these contexts, ἐλάσσων consistently points to a state of being "less than" in various aspects, yet in the divine economy, this "lesser" can be divinely chosen or can serve to illuminate a greater, divinely ordained reality.
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