2485. ichthudion

Lexicon

ichthudion: small fish, little fish

Original Word: ἰχθύδιον
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: ichthudion
Pronunciation: ikh-thoo'-dee-on
Phonetic Spelling: (ikh-thoo'-dee-on)
Definition: small fish, little fish
Meaning: a small fish.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

small fish.

Diminutive from ichthus; a petty fish -- little (small) fish.

see GREEK ichthus

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
dim. of ichthus
Definition
a little fish
NASB Translation
small fish (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2485: ἰχθύδιον

ἰχθύδιον, ἰχθυδιου, τό (diminutive from ἰχθύς), a little fish: Matthew 15:34; Mark 8:7. (From Aristophanes on.)

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Diminutive form of ἰχθύς (ichthýs), meaning "fish."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for the diminutive form ἰχθύδιον, the general term for fish in Hebrew is דָּג (dag), Strong's Hebrew 1709. This term is used in various Old Testament passages to refer to fish in general, without the diminutive connotation found in the Greek.

Usage: The term ἰχθύδιον is used in the New Testament to refer to small fish, often in the context of food or sustenance.

Context: The Greek word ἰχθύδιον appears in the New Testament in the context of the miraculous feeding narratives. It is specifically used in the Gospel of John to describe the small fish that were part of the provisions used by Jesus to feed the multitude. In John 6:9, the term is used to describe the two small fish that, along with five barley loaves, were brought to Jesus by a boy: "Here is a boy with five barley loaves and two small fish, but what difference will these make among so many?" (BSB).

The use of ἰχθύδιον highlights the modesty and insufficiency of the resources available before Jesus performed the miracle of multiplication. This term underscores the miraculous nature of the event, as the small fish, seemingly inadequate for feeding a large crowd, became part of a divine provision that satisfied thousands.

The diminutive form of the word suggests not only the size of the fish but also emphasizes the humble beginnings of the miracle. This narrative serves as a testament to Jesus' power and compassion, demonstrating His ability to provide abundantly from seemingly insignificant means.

Forms and Transliterations

ιχθυδια ιχθύδια ἰχθύδια ιχθυηράν ιχθυικήν ichthudia ichthydia ichthýdia

Englishman's Concordance

Matthew 15:34 N-ANP
GRK: 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
GRK: καὶ εἶχον ἰχθύδια ὀλίγα καὶ
NAS: a few small fish; and after He had blessed
KJV: a few small fishes: and
INT: And they had small fish a few and

Strong's Greek 2485
2 Occurrences

ἰχθύδια — 2 Occ.