ἐλαττόω

From the study of Hebrews 2:7

Range of meaning

To make smaller or fewer, to lessen, to lower in rank or status. In the passive it means to decrease or become inferior (John 3:30, 'I must decrease'). It is the verb form of elattōn, 'lesser, inferior.'

Against the English

'Made lower' (BSB, KJV, ESV) is accurate. YLT's 'make some little less' keeps the 'less' root. Readers sometimes take 'lower' as 'worse' or 'less valuable.' The Greek is about position in an order, not moral worth.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the Greek Old Testament (the Septuagint) it translates Hebrew ḥaser, 'to lack, be short of' (Ps 8:6; also of supplies running short, e.g. 1 Kgs 17:14,16). In Greek generally it describes reducing quantities, ranks or reputations.

From the study of Hebrews 2:9

Range of meaning

ἐλαττόω means 'make smaller, inferior, lower in rank', or (passive) 'be lessened, be in want'. ἄγγελος means a messenger, human or heavenly. In Jewish usage it most often means a heavenly being serving God.

Against the English

'Made lower than the angels' is accurate. YLT's 'messengers' is literal but hides that heavenly beings are meant.

Used elsewhere in the period

Psalm 8:6 in the Septuagint reads ἠλάττωσας αὐτὸν βραχύ τι παρ᾽ ἀγγέλους. The Hebrew reads 'you made him lack a little from ʾelohim'. ʾelohim can mean 'God' or 'divine/heavenly beings', and the Greek translators (and the later Aramaic Targum) understood it as angels. Jewish tradition of the time said angels gave the Law (Heb 2:2; Gal 3:19; Acts 7:53; Jubilees 1:27).

From the study of John 3:30

Range of meaning

To make less or lower, to diminish. In the middle or passive (as here) it means to become less, decrease, or be lessened, in size, quantity, rank or importance. It is built from elattōn, "smaller, lesser."

Against the English

"Decrease" and "become less" are accurate. Modern devotional use often makes it mean self-abasement or erasing one's personality. The word is about amount and standing: John's following, prominence and active role shrink. The form also allows "be made less" (by God), which English cannot show.

How it drifted

When the verse became a motto for spiritual formation, "decrease" came to mean shrinking the ego or the self. The setting points instead to a public role coming to its planned end.

Used elsewhere in the period

It appears only three times in the New Testament: here, and Hebrews 2:7, 9 ("made a little lower than the angels," quoting Psalm 8:5/6 in Greek). Greek Old Testament, Genesis 8:3, 5: the flood waters "were diminishing" (ēlattonouto). Also used in Sirach and in ordinary Greek of things shrinking in amount or rank.