Lexical Summary mikros: Small, little, least, insignificant Original Word: μικρός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance least, less, little, small. Including the comparative mikroteros (ik-rot'-er-os) apparently a primary word; small (in size, quantity, number or (figuratively) dignity) -- least, less, little, small. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition small, little NASB Translation least (4), less (1), little (13), little ones (6), little while (10), short (1), small (8), smaller (2), smallest (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3398: μικρόςμικρός, μικρά, μικρόν, comparitive μικρότερος, μικροτερα, ἐρον (from Homer down), the Sept. for קָטֹן, קָטָן, מְעַט, small, little; used a. of size: Matthew 13:32; Mark 4:31; hence, of stature, τῇ ἡλικία, Luke 19:3; of length, James 3:5. b. of space: neuter προελθών (προσελθών, T Tr WH marginal reading in Matthew, Tr WH marginal reading in Mark (see προσέρχομαι, a.)) μικρόν, having gone forward a little, Matthew 26:39; Mark 14:35 (cf. Winers Grammar, § 32,6; Buttmann, § 131, 11f). c. of age: less by birth, younger, Mark 15:40 (others take this of stature); οἱ μικροί, the little ones, young children, Matthew 18:6, 10, 14; Mark 9:42; ἐπο μικροῦ ἕως μεγάλου (A. V. from the least to the greatest), Acts 8:10; Hebrews 8:11 (Jeremiah 6:13; Jeremiah 38:34 d. of time, short, brief: neuter — nominative, ἔτι (or ἔτι omitted) μικρόν (namely, ἔσται) καί (yet) a little while and etc. i. e. shortly (this shall come to pass), John 14:19; John 16:16f, 19 ((cf. Exodus 17:4)); ἔτι μικρόν ὅσον ὅσον (see ὅσος, a.); without καί, Hebrews 10:37 (Isaiah 26:20); τό μικρόν (Tr WH omits τό), John 16:18; — μικρόν accusative (of duration), John 13:33 (Job 36:2); μικρόν χρόνον, John 7:33; John 12:35; Revelation 6:11; Revelation 20:3; μετά μικρόν, after a little while, Matthew 26:73; Mark 14:70, (πρό μικροῦ, Wis. 15:8). e. of quantity, i. e. number or amount: μικρά ζύμη, 1 Corinthians 5:6; Galatians 5:9; of number, μικρόν ποιμιον, Luke 12:32; of quantity, μικρά δύναμις, Revelation 3:8; neuter μικρόν (τί), a little, 2 Corinthians 11:1, 16. f. of rank or influence: Matthew 10:42; Luke 9:48; Luke 17:2; ὁ μικρότερος ἐν τῇ βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν, he that is inferior to the other citizens of the kingdom of heaven in knowledge of the gospel (R. V. but little in etc.; cf. Winers Grammar, 244 (229); Buttmann, § 123, 13), Matthew 11:11; Luke 7:28. Strong’s Greek 3398 (μικρός) gathers forty-six New Testament occurrences that describe something quantitatively small or qualitatively least. The Spirit employs the word to highlight humility, vulnerability, brevity, beginnings, apparent insignificance, and universal scope, weaving these nuances into core Christian teaching and practice. Semantic Range and Old Testament Background Greek μικρός renders Hebrew קָטֹן and related terms in the Septuagint, carrying the ideas of size (“small”), rank (“least”), and time (“short while”). The New Testament retains this range. The contexts dictate whether μικρός speaks of physical stature (Luke 19:3), social importance (Matthew 11:11), numerical or spiritual strength (Revelation 3:8), or a brief interval (John 16:16–19; Hebrews 10:37). Literal Smallness and Physical Stature • Zacchaeus “was small in stature” (Luke 19:3), yet Christ’s grace singled him out, showing that size does not hinder salvation. The ‘Little Ones’ – Vulnerable Disciples and Children Jesus attaches profound worth to “these little ones who believe in Me” (Matthew 18:6; Mark 9:42; Luke 17:2). Far from a mere reference to children, the phrase embraces humble believers of any age: This emphasis drives Christian ministry toward safeguarding the weak, nurturing new believers, and cultivating an atmosphere where no lamb is overlooked. Small Beginnings, Great Outcomes – The Kingdom Theme From the microscopic seed springs a tree “so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches” (Matthew 13:32). The Gospel advances by divine power, not apparent strength: Conservative pastoral application treats modest churches, new works, and quiet acts of obedience as significant instruments in God’s plan. ‘A Little While’ – Eschatological and Pastoral Timing John 7–16 accumulates the expression ἔτι μικρόν (“yet a little while”), preparing the disciples for the cross, resurrection, ascension, and Spirit outpouring: Hebrews echoes Habakkuk: “In just a little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay” (Hebrews 10:37). The church lives within this compressed eschatological horizon—Christ’s absence feels brief compared with eternal glory. Minor Influences, Major Consequences – Leaven, the Tongue, and False Teaching • “A little leaven leavens the whole batch of dough” (1 Corinthians 5:6; Galatians 5:9). Small tolerated sins or doctrinal errors spread rapidly. Small and Great Together in Final Judgment Revelation balances encouragement to the least with universal accountability: Pastoral and Ministry Significance 1. Valuing the humble: Leaders prioritize children, new converts, and overlooked saints. Doctrinal Insights • Soteriology: Grace reaches individuals whom society deems negligible. Summary Strong’s Greek 3398 underscores that what appears small before men can be pivotal in the sight of God. Whether describing children, seeds, short spans, modest assemblies, or subtle influences, μικρός calls believers to humility, vigilance, compassion, and steadfast hope until the Lord who watches over the small and great alike comes in glory. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 10:42 Adj-GMPGRK: ἕνα τῶν μικρῶν τούτων ποτήριον NAS: to one of these little ones even a cup KJV: of these little ones a cup INT: one of the little ones of these a cup Matthew 11:11 Adj-NMS-C Matthew 13:32 Adj-NNS-C Matthew 18:6 Adj-GMP Matthew 18:10 Adj-GMP Matthew 18:14 Adj-GMP Matthew 26:39 Adj-AMS Matthew 26:73 Adj-ANS Mark 4:31 Adj-NNS-C Mark 9:42 Adj-GMP Mark 14:35 Adj-ANS Mark 14:70 Adj-AMS Mark 15:40 Adj-GMS Luke 7:28 Adj-NMS-C Luke 9:48 Adj-NMS-C Luke 12:32 Adj-NNS Luke 17:2 Adj-GMP Luke 19:3 Adj-NMS John 7:33 Adj-AMS John 12:35 Adj-AMS John 13:33 Adj-ANS John 14:19 Adj-ANS John 16:16 Adj-ANS John 16:16 Adj-ANS John 16:17 Adj-ANS Strong's Greek 3398 |
    |