μικρόν

a little, little while

Definition

The Greek word μικρόν functions primarily as an adverb meaning 'a little' or 'a little while,' indicating a small quantity or a short duration of time. In its temporal sense, it often refers to a brief interval, as when Jesus tells his disciples, 'A little while, and you will see me no longer; and again a little while, and you will see me' (John 16:16). In a spatial or quantitative sense, it can denote a small amount, such as the 'little' leaven mentioned in Galatians 5:9. The word's meaning is consistently tied to the concept of smallness, whether in measure or time.

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, μικρόν is used 13 times, predominantly in the Gospels and the writings of John. It frequently appears in the farewell discourse of John's Gospel (John 13:33, 14:19, 16:16-19), where Jesus uses it to speak of the short time before his death and resurrection. It also occurs in narrative contexts, such as Peter's denial where bystanders say, 'Surely you too are one of them, for your accent betrays you' after 'a little while' (Matthew 26:73; Mark 14:70). The usage is evenly split between temporal ('little while') and quantitative ('a little') meanings.

Etymology

Μικρόν is the neuter singular form of the adjective μικρός (mikros, G3398), meaning 'small' or 'little.' It derives from the Proto-Indo-European root *smik-, related to concepts of smallness. As a standalone neuter noun/adverb, it developed the specific adverbial senses of 'a little' (in degree) and 'a little while' (in time). Cognates in English include 'micro-' as in microscope, indicating something very small.

Semantic Range

Μικρόν is theologically significant in John's Gospel, where Jesus' repeated phrase 'a little while' (John 16:16-19) creates a poignant tension between his imminent departure (death) and return (resurrection and the coming of the Spirit). This term anchors the disciples' experience of grief and confusion to a divinely ordained, temporary period of absence, pointing to the transient nature of suffering and the certainty of joyful reunion. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting how a simple temporal phrase conveys profound eschatological hope and the pattern of death and resurrection.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, the concept of a 'little while' carried a similar sense of brevity as today, but within a less precise timekeeping culture. The phrase could imply anything from minutes to a few days, emphasizing relative shortness rather than an exact measure. This flexibility allowed biblical authors to use it for both immediate events (like Peter's denial) and longer prophetic intervals (like the time until Christ's return in glory), relying on context to specify the duration.

ὀλίγος (oligos, G3641) — Often interchangeable for 'few' or 'little,' but can emphasize scantiness in number or quantity more than duration. βραχύς (brachys, G1024) — Specifically 'short' in space or time; used in Hebrews 2:7 for 'a little while' in a quotation from Psalm 8.

Word Details

Scripture References