The Greek word mikrón, represented by G3397, refers to a small space of time or degree. It is often translated as "a little" or "a little while." It appears 16 times across 13 unique verses, where it is used to describe a brief duration, a short distance, or a small measure.
In the Gospels, G3397 is frequently used by Jesus to describe the brief period of his absence from the disciples. He tells them, "A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me" John 16:16, a statement which left his disciples to enquire G2212 among themselves what he meant John 16:17-18. The word also marks a short physical distance, as when Jesus "went a little further" to pray in Gethsemane Matthew 26:39. In a prophetic context, it is used to convey the imminence of Christ's return, stating "For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come" Hebrews 10:37.
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which G3397 is used:
- G2089 éti (yet, still): This word, meaning "yet," still (of time or degree), often precedes G3397 to emphasize the short but definite time remaining, as when Jesus says "yet a little while I am with you" John 13:33.
- G3825 pálin (again): Meaning "anew" or "once more," this word is central to Jesus's promise in John 16:16, where he says "and again, a little while, and ye shall see me," highlighting the temporary nature of his departure.
- G2334 theōréō (to see, behold): This word, meaning to discern or be a spectator of, is what the disciples will no longer be able to do for "a little while," contrasting with the world which will see Jesus no more permanently John 14:19.
- G5610 hṓra (hour): This term for an "hour" (literally or figuratively) is linked to G3397 in the Gethsemane narrative. After going forward "a little," Jesus prays that the hour might pass from him Mark 14:35.
The theological weight of G3397 is seen in its application to God's timing and redemptive plan.
- Promise of Reunion: Jesus uses "a little while" to frame the period between his death and resurrection as brief. While the world G2889 will no longer see him, he assures his disciples they will see G2334 him again because he is going to the Father G3962 and they too will live G2198 (John 14:19, John 16:16).
- Imminence of Christ's Coming: The phrase "yet a little while" is used to encourage believers by underscoring the nearness of Christ's return, promising that he will come G2240 and will not tarry G5549 Hebrews 10:37.
- The Weight of a Moment: In Gethsemane, Jesus moves a "little" distance to pray for the cup G4221 to pass G3928 from him, if possible G1415. This small space represents a monumental moment of submission to the Father's will Matthew 26:39.
- Humility in Ministry: Paul uses the word to temper his own boasting, asking the Corinthians to bear with him "a little in my folly" G877 2 Corinthians 11:1. This illustrates how a "little" measure can be a tool for humility.
In summary, G3397 conveys more than just a small quantity. It is a word used to frame profound spiritual realities concerning time, trial, and promise. It teaches that periods of separation and suffering are temporary from a divine perspective. Whether describing the short time until Christ's return or the brief distance he walked to pray in Gethsemane, mikrón emphasizes that moments which seem long or difficult to humans are but "a little while" within the scope of God's eternal purpose.
TRV