ἐλαττόω

I make less, make inferior

Definition

The verb ἐλαττόω means 'to make less' or 'to diminish' in status, rank, or importance. In its three New Testament occurrences, it consistently conveys the idea of intentional reduction or being placed in a subordinate position. In John 3:30, John the Baptist uses it to declare that he must 'decrease' so that Jesus may increase, highlighting a voluntary lessening of his own role. In Hebrews 2:7 and 2:9, quoting Psalm 8:5, it describes how humanity (and specifically Jesus in his incarnation) was made 'for a little while lower' than the angels, emphasizing a temporary state of diminished glory for a greater purpose.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only three times in the New Testament, appearing in two distinct contexts. In John 3:30, it is used metaphorically in a ministry context to describe John the Baptist's voluntary submission to Christ's supremacy. In Hebrews 2:7 and 2:9, it is used christologically, quoting the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) to describe the temporary humbling of Jesus in the incarnation, being made lower than the angels to suffer death for humanity. Both uses involve a purposeful diminishing for a greater, redemptive end.

Etymology

Derived from the adjective ἐλάττων (elattōn), meaning 'less' or 'smaller.' It is a comparative form related to the root meaning 'small.' The verb form ἐλαττόω means 'to make less' or 'to treat as inferior.' It is cognate with other Greek words dealing with reduction or inferiority, such as ἐλαττονόω (elattonoō, G1641), which has a similar meaning. The concept is fundamentally relational, comparing one thing as lesser than another.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it touches on the themes of humility, Christology, and the order of God's redemptive plan. In John 3:30, it models the posture of a servant leader who joyfully diminishes so that Christ may be magnified. In Hebrews 2, it is central to the 'humiliation' phase of Christ's work—his incarnation and suffering. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by clarifying that Jesus's temporary state of being 'made lower' was a deliberate, purposeful act of love to accomplish salvation, not a loss of essential divinity.

In the Greco-Roman world, concepts of rank, honor, and status were paramount. To be 'made less' or 'inferior' was typically seen as a loss and a cause for shame. The New Testament's use of this term subverts this cultural value. In John 3:30, John's willingness to 'decrease' redefines honor as found in serving Christ. In Hebrews, Jesus being 'made lower' reframes the ultimate shame of the cross as the path to supreme glory and victory, turning the cultural understanding of humiliation on its head.

ταπεινόω (tapeinoō, G5013) — emphasizes humbling or bringing low, often in a moral or spiritual sense; μετρέω (metreō, G3354) — focuses on measuring or apportioning, implying limitation but not necessarily inferiority; μειόω (meioō, G3392) — a less common synonym meaning to make smaller or lessen.

Word Details

Scripture References