βραχύς

short, little

Definition

βραχύς is an adjective meaning 'short,' 'little,' or 'few,' describing something of limited duration, quantity, or size. In a temporal sense, it refers to a brief period of time, as in 'after a little while' (Luke 22:58). In a quantitative sense, it denotes a small amount, such as 'a little food' (John 6:7) or 'a few words' (Hebrews 13:22). In a comparative sense, it describes being made 'a little lower' than something else, as in Hebrews 2:7, 9, where humanity is made a little lower than the angels.

Biblical Usage

The word appears 7 times in the New Testament across various contexts. In narrative passages, it describes short durations (Acts 5:34, 'for a little while') and small quantities (Acts 27:28, 'a little farther'). In the Gospel of John 6:7, it quantifies insufficient resources. Theologically, its most significant usage is in Hebrews 2:7, 9, quoting Psalm 8, to describe Christ's temporary humiliation being made 'a little lower than the angels' for the sake of humanity's salvation.

Etymology

Derived from the ancient Greek root βραχύς, meaning 'short' or 'small.' It is related to the verb βραχύνω, meaning 'to shorten.' The word is a cognate with terms in other Indo-European languages conveying brevity or smallness. Its meaning remained consistent in Koine Greek, covering physical, temporal, and quantitative limitations.

Semantic Range

βραχύς is theologically significant in Hebrews 2:7, 9, where it is used in a quotation from Psalm 8:5 (LXX) to describe the incarnation of Jesus Christ. The phrase 'a little lower than the angels' (βραχύ τι παρ’ ἀγγέλους) highlights Christ's temporary humiliation and condescension for a short time to accomplish salvation. Understanding this Greek term enriches the reading by emphasizing the deliberate, limited duration of Christ's humble state, contrasting it with His subsequent exaltation and eternal glory.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, the concept of being 'a little lower' than celestial beings like angels was part of a hierarchical worldview. The phrase from Psalm 8, quoted in Hebrews, would have been understood within Jewish and Hellenistic thought as describing humanity's honored, yet subordinate, position in the created order. The temporal use of 'a little while' reflected a common perception of fleeting time, relevant in narratives about delays or brief intervals.

μικρός (mikros, G3398) — emphasizes smallness in size or importance, often more general; ὀλίγος (oligos, G3641) — focuses on few in number or scant quantity, less on duration; ἐλάχιστος (elachistos, G1646) — superlative, meaning 'least' or 'very small.'

Word Details

Scripture References