1642. elattoó

Lexicon

elattoó: To make less, to diminish, to decrease, to be inferior

Original Word: ἐλαττόω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: elattoó
Pronunciation: eh-lat-TO-o
Phonetic Spelling: (el-at-to'-o)
Definition: To make less, to diminish, to decrease, to be inferior
Meaning: I make less (inferior).

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

decrease, make lower.

From elasson; to lessen (in rank or influence) -- decrease, make lower.

see GREEK elasson

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from elassón
Definition
to make less (in rank or influence)
NASB Translation
decrease (1), lower (2), made (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 1642: ἐλαττόω

ἐλαττόω (Buttmann, 7), ἐλάττω: 1 aorist ἠλαττωσα; passive, (present ἐλαττοῦμαι); perfect participle ἠλαττωμενος; (ἐλαττῶν); to make less or inferior: τινα, in dignity, Hebrews 2:7; passive to be made less or inferior: in dignity, Hebrews 2:9; to decrease (opposed to αὐξάνω), in authority and popularity, John 3:30. (Many times in the Sept.; in Greek writings from Thucydides on.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek word ἐλάσσων (elassōn), meaning "less" or "inferior."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • Strong's Hebrew 4591 (מָעַט, ma'at): To be or become small, diminished, or few.
• Strong's Hebrew 8213 (שָׁפֵל, shaphel): To be low, humble, or abased.

These Hebrew terms share a similar semantic range with ἐλαττόω, emphasizing reduction, humility, and the lowering of status or quantity. They are often used in the Old Testament to describe the humbling of individuals or nations, aligning with the New Testament's use of ἐλαττόω in the context of humility and divine purpose.

Usage: The verb ἐλαττόω is used in the New Testament to convey the idea of reducing in size, number, or importance. It can refer to physical diminishment or a reduction in status or authority.

Context: The Greek verb ἐλαττόω appears in the New Testament in contexts that emphasize a reduction or diminishment, whether in physical terms or in terms of authority and status. This term is used to describe the act of making something lesser or inferior. It is often employed in theological discussions to illustrate the concept of humility or the voluntary reduction of one's own status for a greater purpose.

In Hebrews 2:7, the term is used in the context of Christ's incarnation: "You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor." Here, ἐλαττόω is used to describe the temporary lowering of Christ's status as He took on human form, emphasizing His humility and the purpose of His mission.

The concept of ἐλαττόω is also reflected in the life and teachings of John the Baptist, who stated, "He must increase; I must decrease" (John 3:30). Although the exact term ἐλαττόω is not used in this verse, the principle of self-reduction for the exaltation of Christ aligns with the meaning of the word.

Theologically, ἐλαττόω underscores the Christian virtue of humility, where believers are encouraged to lower themselves in service to others and to God, following the example of Christ. This principle is foundational in understanding the nature of Christian leadership and discipleship, where greatness is achieved through service and self-sacrifice.

Forms and Transliterations

ελαττουσθαι ελαττούσθαι ἐλαττοῦσθαι ηλαττωμενον ηλαττωμένον ἠλαττωμένον ηλαττωσας ηλάττωσας ἠλάττωσας elattomenon elattoménon ēlattōmenon ēlattōménon elattosas eláttosas ēlattōsas ēláttōsas elattousthai elattoûsthai

Englishman's Concordance

John 3:30 V-PNM/P
GRK: ἐμὲ δὲ ἐλαττοῦσθαι
NAS: increase, but I must decrease.
KJV: but I [must] decrease.
INT: me however to decrease

Hebrews 2:7 V-AIA-2S
GRK: ἠλάττωσας αὐτὸν βραχύ
NAS: YOU HAVE MADE HIM FOR A LITTLE WHILE
KJV: him a little lower than the angels;
INT: You did make lower him little

Hebrews 2:9 V-RPM/P-AMS
GRK: παρ' ἀγγέλους ἠλαττωμένον βλέπομεν Ἰησοῦν
NAS: But we do see Him who was made for a little while
KJV: a little lower than
INT: than [the] angels was made lower we see Jesus

Strong's Greek 1642
3 Occurrences

ἠλαττωμένον — 1 Occ.
ἠλάττωσας — 1 Occ.
ἐλαττοῦσθαι — 1 Occ.