from ἐλάσσων; to diminish, i.e. fall short:--have lack.
Transliteration:elattonéō
Pronunciation:el-at-ton-eh-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G1641 (elattonéō) is derived from the comparative adjective G1640 (elassōn), meaning "smaller," "less," or "inferior." Consequently, elattonéō carries the core meaning of "to make less," "to diminish," or "to cause to fall short." In its intransitive or passive sense, as it appears in the New Testament, it signifies "to fall short," "to be diminished," or "to have lack/deficiency." The word inherently points to a state of insufficiency, a condition where something is not enough, or where one experiences a deficit relative to a required or desired amount. It is distinct from absolute absence, rather denoting a state of being "less than" what is needed.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G1641 (elattonéō) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[2 Corinthians 8:15]]. This singular occurrence is profoundly significant as it directly quotes from the Septuagint (LXX) version of [[Exodus 16:18]].
In [[2 Corinthians 8:15]], the Apostle Paul writes, "As it is written, 'He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack [οὐκ ἠλαττονήσεν].'" Paul employs the Old Testament account of the manna in the wilderness to illustrate a principle of divine provision and equitable distribution within the Christian community regarding the collection for the saints in Jerusalem. The context emphasizes that God's provision is such that those who gather abundantly do not hoard excessively, and crucially, those who gather sparingly do not suffer from a deficit. The verb elattonéō here precisely conveys the idea of "having a deficiency" or "experiencing lack." It underscores the divine intention that no one among God's people should be in want or fall short of basic necessities, even when resources are shared or gathered unevenly. The passage highlights a communal responsibility to ensure sufficiency for all, mirroring God's miraculous provision.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most immediate related word is G1640 (elassōn), the root adjective meaning "less" or "inferior," from which G1641 is directly formed. This etymological link reinforces the core idea of diminishment or insufficiency.
Semantically, G1641 shares conceptual space with other Greek terms related to need or deficiency:
* G5302 (hysteréō): "to lack," "to be in need," "to fall short." This term is a very close semantic parallel, often used in contexts of material or spiritual deficiency (e.g., [[Romans 3:23]] - "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God").
* G5308 (hysterēma): "a lack," "a deficiency," "what is lacking." This noun form directly corresponds to the state implied by elattonéō.
* G5532 (chreia): "need," "necessity," "want." This word describes the state of requiring something, often in a practical sense.
The concept of "lack" or "insufficiency" as expressed by elattonéō is intimately connected to biblical themes of divine provision, communal sharing, and economic justice within the covenant community.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of G1641 in [[2 Corinthians 8:15]] carries profound theological weight, particularly in its echo of the manna narrative. It points to:
1. **Divine Providence and Sufficiency:** The passage underscores God's commitment to providing for the needs of His people. Just as Israel in the wilderness received daily manna in sufficient quantities for each person, so too does God ensure that the needs of His church are met. No one is meant to "have lack" when operating under God's economy of grace and provision.
2. **Christian Equality and Reciprocity:** Paul uses elattonéō to promote a principle of equality among believers. While not advocating for absolute economic leveling, it champions a state where the abundance of some serves to alleviate the "lack" of others, ensuring that basic needs are met across the body of Christ. This fosters interdependence and mutual care, reflecting the unity of the Spirit.
3. **Stewardship and Generosity:** The context of the collection for the poor saints implies that generosity is not a deficit but a means through which God's provision flows. When believers share, they participate in God's design to prevent "lack" among their brethren, trusting that their own needs will also be met. It challenges a mindset of scarcity and promotes faith in God's limitless resources.
4. **The Church as a Caring Community:** The application of the manna principle to the early church's practice highlights the church's role as a community where members look out for one another's material well-being, preventing anyone from experiencing significant deficiency.
### Summary
G1641 (elattonéō) signifies "to diminish," "to fall short," or "to have lack." Its solitary but powerful appearance in [[2 Corinthians 8:15]] directly quoting [[Exodus 16:18]] serves as a foundational text for understanding divine provision and Christian communal responsibility. The word highlights God's design that within His covenant community, through faithful stewardship and generous sharing, no one should "have lack." It underscores the theological principles of God's sufficiency, the equality of believers, and the church's call to ensure that the material needs of its members are met, reflecting the harmonious and interdependent nature of the body of Christ.
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