diminutive from ἰχθύς; a petty fish:--little (small) fish.
Transliteration:ichthýdion
Pronunciation:ikh-thoo'-dee-on
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἰχθύδιον (ichthýdion, `{{G2485}}`) is a diminutive noun derived from the more common Greek word ἰχθύς (ichthýs, `{{G2486}}`), meaning "fish." The suffix -ιον (-dion) typically denotes smallness, endearment, or sometimes contempt. In the context of ἰχθύδιον, the primary semantic force is that of "small fish" or "little fish." It emphasizes the humble size or perhaps the limited quantity of the fish being described, distinguishing it from a general or larger fish. The term inherently conveys a sense of scarcity or modesty regarding the aquatic provision.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ἰχθύδιον (ichthýdion, `{{G2485}}`) appears exclusively in two parallel passages within the Synoptic Gospels, both describing the feeding of the four thousand:
* **[[Matthew 15:34]]**: "And Jesus said to them, 'How many loaves do you have?' They said, 'Seven, and a few small fish (ἰχθύδια).' "
* **[[Mark 8:7]]**: "And they had a few small fish (ἰχθύδια); and having blessed them, he commanded them to set these also before them."
In both instances, ἰχθύδιον is used in the plural (ἰχθύδια) to describe the meager supply of fish available to Jesus and His disciples before the miraculous multiplication. The use of the diminutive form here is highly significant. It underscores the profound inadequacy of the provisions in relation to the vast crowd. The "small fish" highlight the initial scarcity and the human inability to meet the need, thereby magnifying the power and abundance of Jesus' subsequent miracle. This contrasts with the more general term ἰχθύς (ichthýs, `{{G2486}}`), which is used elsewhere for fish in a broader sense (e.g., the large catch in [[Luke 5:6]], or the fish provided after the resurrection in [[John 21:9-10]]). The specific choice of ἰχθύδιον emphasizes the humble and seemingly insignificant nature of what was initially offered.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word is the root noun ἰχθύς (ichthýs, `{{G2486}}`), which means "fish" generally. The relationship is one of specificity, where ἰχθύδιον denotes a particular kind or size of fish—a small one. This diminutive relationship is common in Greek, where suffixes like -ιον, -άριον, or -ίδιον are appended to nouns to convey smallness (e.g., βιβλίον (biblíon) "little book" from βίβλος (bíblos) "book").
The concept of "little" or "small" in the context of divine provision is a recurring theme in Scripture. It evokes narratives where God takes meager resources and transforms them into abundance, such as the widow's jar of oil and flour in [[1 Kings 17:12-16]], or the manna provided in the wilderness in [[Exodus 16]]. The "small fish" are thus emblematic of the humble beginnings from which God's miraculous power can produce overwhelming plenty. Furthermore, this word stands in conceptual relation to the broader theme of divine generosity and the sufficiency of Christ, even when human resources are utterly insufficient.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἰχθύδιον (ichthýdion, `{{G2485}}`) is deeply intertwined with the narratives of the feeding miracles.
1. **Divine Abundance from Scarcity:** The "small fish" serve as a stark contrast to the immense number of people to be fed. This highlights God's power to take something utterly insufficient by human standards and multiply it into superabundant provision. It demonstrates that God's power is not limited by the quantity or quality of what is available, but rather works through and transcends human limitations.
2. **The Humility of God's Provision:** The very smallness of the fish underscores the humble and unassuming way in which God often works. It teaches that even the most modest offerings, when placed into the hands of Christ, can become instruments of divine blessing and provision on a grand scale.
3. **Faith and Offering:** The disciples present the "few small fish" along with the loaves, representing their meager resources. This act of offering, despite its apparent insignificance, becomes the catalyst for the miracle. The "little fish" thus symbolize the importance of offering what little one has to God, trusting that He can do immeasurably more with it than we could ever imagine.
4. **Christ's Supremacy and Compassion:** The presence of the "small fish" emphasizes the dire need of the crowd, which Jesus compassionately addresses. His ability to create abundance from such humble elements underscores His divine authority over creation and His profound care for humanity's physical and spiritual needs.
### Summary
The Greek word ἰχθύδιον (ichthýdion, `{{G2485}}`) is a diminutive of ἰχθύς (ichthýs, `{{G2486}}`), meaning "little fish" or "small fish." Its two sole occurrences in the New Testament, in [[Matthew 15:34]] and [[Mark 8:7]], are crucial to the narratives of the feeding of the four thousand. The use of this diminutive term emphasizes the extreme scarcity and humble nature of the provisions available to Jesus and His disciples before the miracle. Theologically, ἰχθύδιον powerfully illustrates God's ability to create overwhelming abundance from seemingly insignificant resources, highlighting the importance of offering what little one has in faith, and showcasing Christ's compassionate and limitless power to provide.
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