Topical Encyclopedia
The term "lesser" in the Bible often refers to something of smaller size, importance, or rank. It is used in various contexts to describe individuals, tribes, or even spiritual principles. The concept of "lesser" can be seen throughout Scripture, illustrating the divine order and hierarchy established by God.
1. Lesser in Terms of Rank or ImportanceIn the biblical narrative, the idea of "lesser" is frequently associated with rank or importance. For example, in the account of Jacob and Esau, Esau is described as the elder, while Jacob is the younger, or "lesser," in terms of birth order. Despite this, God chose Jacob to carry on the Abrahamic covenant, demonstrating that divine election does not always align with human expectations of rank or importance (
Genesis 25:23).
Similarly, in the New Testament, John the Baptist speaks of Jesus, saying, "He must increase, but I must decrease" (
John 3:30). Here, John acknowledges his own lesser role in comparison to the greater mission and divinity of Christ.
2. Lesser Tribes and NationsThe Bible also uses "lesser" to describe tribes or nations that are smaller or less powerful. In the Old Testament, the tribe of Benjamin is referred to as the "least" or "lesser" among the tribes of Israel. Despite its size, the tribe of Benjamin played a significant role in Israel's history, producing the first king, Saul (
1 Samuel 9:21).
In the prophetic books, smaller nations are often mentioned in contrast to larger empires like Babylon or Assyria. These "lesser" nations, though seemingly insignificant, are part of God's overarching plan and are subject to His sovereign will.
3. Spiritual PrinciplesThe concept of "lesser" is also evident in spiritual teachings. Jesus often used parables to illustrate the principle that the "least" or "lesser" in the kingdom of God can be the greatest. In
Matthew 18:4, Jesus states, "Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven" . This teaching emphasizes humility and servanthood as key virtues in God's kingdom.
Moreover, the Apostle Paul speaks of the "lesser" parts of the body in
1 Corinthians 12:22-23, highlighting that even those members which seem weaker are indispensable. This metaphor for the Church underscores the value and importance of every believer, regardless of perceived status or ability.
4. Lesser in Sacrificial SystemIn the Old Testament sacrificial system, certain offerings were considered "lesser" in terms of value or size. For instance, those who could not afford a lamb for a sin offering were permitted to bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons (
Leviticus 5:7). This provision reflects God's understanding and accommodation for the varying economic statuses of His people, ensuring that all could participate in the sacrificial system.
5. Lesser in the Context of CovenantsThe concept of "lesser" is also present in the context of covenants. The New Covenant, established through the blood of Christ, is described as superior to the Old Covenant, which is considered "lesser" in comparison (
Hebrews 8:6). This distinction highlights the fulfillment and perfection of God's promises through Jesus, offering a more excellent way for humanity to relate to God.
In summary, the term "lesser" in the Bible serves to illustrate various aspects of God's order, from the roles of individuals and tribes to spiritual principles and covenants. It underscores the biblical theme that God's ways often transcend human understanding, elevating the humble and using the seemingly insignificant for His purposes.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
a.) Less; smaller; inferior.
2. (adv.) Less.
Greek
2276. hetton -- less, worse.... Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: hetton Phonetic Spelling: (hate'-ton)
Short Definition:
lesser, inferior, weaker Definition:
lesser, inferior, weaker
...1640. elasson -- smaller, less
... Word Origin cptv. of the same as elachistos Definition smaller, less NASB
Word Usage less (1),lesser (1), poorer (1), younger (1)....
Strong's Hebrew
7716. seh -- one of a flock, a sheep (or goat)... 2), sheep and one (1), sheep* (1).
lesser, small cattle, ewe, goat, lamb,
sheep. Or sey {say}; probably from sha'ah through the idea
...671b. apharesattekaye -- official
... Word Origin (Aramaic) from the same as apharesaye Definition official NASB Word
Usagelesser governors (1). 671a, 671b. apharesattekaye. 672 ....
6996b. qaton -- small, insignificant
... Word Origin from qaton Definition small, insignificant NASB Word Usage all* (2),
brief (1),lesser (1), little (6), minor (2), small (22), smallest one (1...
6996. qatan -- small, young, unimportant
... kaw-tawn') Short Definition: least. least,lesser, little one, smallest,
one, quantity, thing, younger, Or qaton {kaw-tone'}; from...
Library
Men of the Bible; SomeLesser-Known
Men of the Bible; SomeLesser-Known. <. Men of the Bible; Some
Lesser-Known George Milligan. George Milligan; JG Greenhough...
Demetrius of theLesser Leptis Said: "We Uphold one Baptism...
... Book VI. Chapter 43. " 83. Demetrius of theLesser Leptis said: "We
uphold one baptism? "83. Demetrius of theLesser Leptis...
Lesser and Fuller Forms.
...Lesser and Fuller Forms. Moreover, we have endeavoured to use the fullest
form, including the words of those Gospels which have...
Men of the Bible; SomeLesser-Known
Men of the Bible; SomeLesser-Known. <.... Title Page. MEN OF THE BIBLE;
SOMELESSER-KNOWN CHARACTERS by. GEORGE MILLIGAN, DDJG...
But He did not Permit Men to Make Supplication to theLesser Gods....
... Book II. 3 But He did not permit men to make supplication to thelesser gods.? But
He did not permit men to make supplication to thelesser gods....
How a Thing that is Good in Its Own Nature Ought not to be done...
... The Conferences of John Cassian. Chapter XV. How a thing that is good in its own
nature ought not to be done for the sake of somelesser good....
Whether, after Penance, Man Rises Again to Equal virtue?
... if any such man goes astray and wanders from the path, God makes even this conduce
to his good." But this would not be true if he rose again tolesser virtue....
Chapter i.
... saying." If it is asked what the "mountain" means, it may well be understood as
meaning the greater precepts of righteousness; for there werelesser ones which...
Whether a Constant Man Can be Compelled by Fear?
... Now thelesser evil or the greater good is always to be chosen in preference; and
therefore the constant man is compelled to bear with thelesser evil through...
Whether Christ had any Knowledge Besides the Divine?
... Therefore any other knowledge would have been superfluous in Him. Objection
2: Further, thelesser light is dimmed by the greater....
Thesaurus
Lesser (7 Occurrences)... 2. (adv.) Less. Multi-Version Concordance
Lesser (7 Occurrences). Hebrews 7:7 But
without any dispute the
lesser is blessed by the greater. (WEB NAS NIV).
...Quicksands (1 Occurrence)
... On the north coast of Africa were two localities dangerous to sailors, called the
Greater andLesser Syrtis.... TheLesser Syrtis lay farther to the west. Int....
Liver (16 Occurrences)
... Others, however, interpret it as the membrane which covers the upper part of the
liver, sometimes called the "lesser omenturn." Thus, the Vulgate: reticulurn...
Guilty (131 Occurrences)
... passages demand special notice because the word "guilty" is not used in the principal
sense of blameworthy, but with one of the twolesser meanings noted above...
Astronomy
... City of the Sun" (3) The Greater Light-Giver (4) The Purpose of the Sun (5) The
Sun as a Type 3. The Moon (1) The Names for the Moon (2) TheLesser Light-Giver...
Lesson (11 Occurrences)
Graecia
... and Aetolia on the West, and of Phocis, Boeotia and Attica (with the adjacent island
of Euboea) on the East, separated by a group oflesser states, Aenis...
Osprey (4 Occurrences)
... ozniyyah, an unclean bird according to the Mosaic law (Leviticus 11:13; Deuteronomy
14:12); the fish-eating eagle (Pandion haliaetus); one of thelesser eagles...
Ledge (7 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 43:14 From the bottom on the ground to the lower ledge shall be two cubits,
and the breadth one cubit; and from thelesser ledge to the greater ledge...
Lessened (2 Occurrences)
Resources
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