Lexical Summary ichthudion: small fish, little fish Original Word: ἰχθύδιον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance small fish. Diminutive from ichthus; a petty fish -- little (small) fish. see GREEK ichthus NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origindim. of ichthus Definition a little fish NASB Translation small fish (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2485: ἰχθύδιονἰχθύδιον, ἰχθυδιου, τό (diminutive from ἰχθύς), a little fish: Matthew 15:34; Mark 8:7. (From Aristophanes on.) Topical Lexicon Biblical Usage Strong’s Greek 2485 (ἰχθύδια) occurs twice, both in the narratives of Jesus feeding the four thousand: Matthew 15:34 and Mark 8:7. In each account the word designates “small fish,” a diminutive form that accentuates the meagerness of the disciples’ resources before Jesus multiplies them. Context: the Miracles of Provision In both passages the small fish are coupled with seven barley loaves. Their inclusion highlights Jesus’ concern for the total nutritional need of the crowd. The textual focus on “a few small fish” intensifies the contrast between human insufficiency and divine abundance. After Jesus gives thanks, the fish—though insignificant in quantity—become part of a banquet that leaves four thousand men “satisfied” with seven baskets of leftovers (Matthew 15:37; Mark 8:8). Exegetical Observations 1. Diminutive nuance: The term emphasizes littleness, reinforcing the pedagogical point that God uses what is least to accomplish what is greatest. Historical and Cultural Background Small fish—often dried or pickled—were dietary staples around the Sea of Galilee, serving as relish for bread. Archaeology at Magdala and Bethsaida confirms flourishing fishing industries, making the details historically credible and culturally familiar to first-century readers. Theological Themes • Divine sufficiency: The multiplication teaches that Christ is able to supply every need according to God’s riches (Philippians 4:19). Intertextual Connections While ἰχθύδια appears only twice, “fish” broadly weave through Scripture: – Exodus 15: The redeemed Israelites, lacking water, foreshadow the crowd’s wilderness hunger. – Jonah 1:17: The great fish encapsulates divine rescue, later alluded to by Jesus (Matthew 12:40). – John 21:9-13: The resurrected Christ again provides fish, linking post-Easter fellowship with earlier feedings. Early Christian Symbolism The acrostic ΙΧΘΥΣ (“Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior”) became an emblem of Christian identity. Catacomb art often depicts bread and fish together, evoking both Eucharist and miraculous feedings. The diminutive nuance of ἰχθύδια underscores humility, aligning with believers who see themselves as “little” yet precious in Christ. Ministry Applications 1. Stewardship: Offer whatever resources, however small, to God’s service; He multiplies surrendered gifts. Summary Strong’s 2485 spotlights a few “small fish” that, when placed in the Savior’s hands, feed multitudes and testify to the superabundant generosity of God. From first-century Galilee to present-day congregations, the witness of ἰχθύδια encourages believers to trust Christ with limited resources, expect miraculous provision, and extend His compassion to the world. Forms and Transliterations ιχθυδια ιχθύδια ἰχθύδια ιχθυηράν ιχθυικήν ichthudia ichthydia ichthýdiaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 15:34 N-ANPGRK: καὶ ὀλίγα ἰχθύδια NAS: Seven, and a few small fish. KJV: and a few little fishes. INT: and a few small fish Mark 8:7 N-ANP |
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