Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, the concept of "small" often carries significant theological and moral implications, reflecting God's values and the nature of His kingdom. The term can refer to physical size, numerical quantity, or perceived importance, and it frequently highlights themes of humility, faith, and divine preference for the seemingly insignificant.Old Testament References 1. Creation and Nature: The Bible often uses "small" to describe elements of God's creation, emphasizing His attention to detail and care for all creatures. In Proverbs 30:24-28, the writer lists "four things on earth that are small, yet they are exceedingly wise," including ants and locusts, illustrating how God imbues even the smallest creatures with wisdom and purpose. 2. Israel and the Remnant: The nation of Israel is often depicted as small in number compared to other nations. Deuteronomy 7:7 states, "The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples." This highlights God's sovereign choice and His ability to accomplish His purposes through a small, chosen people. 3. David and Goliath: The account of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17) is a classic example of God using the small and seemingly insignificant to achieve victory. David, a young shepherd, defeats the giant Goliath, demonstrating that God's power is made perfect in weakness. New Testament References 1. The Kingdom of Heaven: Jesus frequently uses parables to describe the kingdom of heaven as starting small but growing significantly. In Matthew 13:31-32, He compares it to a mustard seed, "which a man took and planted in his field. Although it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree." 2. Faith: Jesus emphasizes the power of small faith in Matthew 17:20, saying, "Truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." This illustrates that even a small amount of genuine faith can lead to great spiritual accomplishments. 3. Children and Humility: In Matthew 18:2-4, Jesus calls a little child to Him and says, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Here, "small" signifies humility and dependence on God, qualities that are highly valued in His kingdom. Theological Implications The biblical use of "small" often serves to contrast human perceptions of greatness with God's values. While the world may prioritize size, strength, and numbers, Scripture consistently reveals that God delights in using the small and humble to accomplish His purposes. This theme encourages believers to trust in God's power rather than their own abilities and to value humility and faithfulness over worldly success. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (superl.) Having little size, compared with other things of the same kind; little in quantity or degree; diminutive; not large or extended in dimension; not great; not much; inconsiderable; as, a small man; a small river.2. (superl.) Being of slight consequence; feeble in influence or importance; unimportant; trivial; insignificant; as, a small fault; a small business. 3. (superl.) Evincing little worth or ability; not large-minded; -- sometimes, in reproach, paltry; mean. 4. (superl.) Not prolonged in duration; not extended in time; short; as, after a small space. 5. (superl.) Weak; slender; fine; gentle; soft; not loud. 6. (adv.) In or to small extent, quantity, or degree; little; slightly. 7. (adv.) Not loudly; faintly; timidly. 8. (n.) The small or slender part of a thing; as, the small of the leg or of the back. 9. (n.) Smallclothes. 10. (n.) Same as Little go. See under Little, a. 11. (v. t.) To make little or less. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia CORDS, SMALLkordz (schoinion, the diminutive of schoinos, "a rush," hence, "a rope of rushes"): Translated "small cords" (John 2:15 the King James Version; the Revised Version (British and American) "cords"). The same word is translated "ropes" in Acts 27:32. See also Job 41:2 margin. Greek 3398. mikros -- small, little ... small, little. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: mikros Phonetic Spelling: (mik-ros') Short Definition: little, small Definition: little, small. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3398.htm - 7k 3641. oligos -- few, little, small 3016. leptos -- peeled, fine, thin, small, light 2772. kerma -- a slice, hence a small coin 3519. nesion -- a small island 2245. helikos -- how great, how small 5586. psephos -- a small smooth stone, a pebble 2595. karphos -- a small dry stalk 2855b. kollurion -- a small bread roll, an eye salve (shaped like ... 2825a. klinarion -- a small couch Strong's Hebrew 4705. mitsar -- a small thing... 4704, 4705. mitsar. 4706 . a small thing. Transliteration: mitsar Phonetic Spelling: (mits-awr') Short Definition: small. Word Origin ... /hebrew/4705.htm - 6k 4591. maat -- to be or become small, diminished, or few 6996a. qatan -- small, young, unimportant 6994. qaton -- to be small or insignificant 1851. daq -- thin, small, fine 6996b. qaton -- small, insignificant 6629. tson -- small cattle, sheep and goats, flock 6997. Qatan -- "the small," father of a postexilic Isr. 3581a. koach -- a small reptile (of unknown species) 6996. qatan -- small, young, unimportant Library The Small Catechism of Martin Luther But this is Small Importance of Small Things in Religion Individual Good Things, Whether Small or Great, are from God. "The Following is a Small Matter which I Learned Lately from the ... Small and Great. November 28. It is Very Observable by what Small Principles Infusing them in ... The Still Small Voice. --2 Kings, xix. 11, 12 Ep. xxvi. What a Very Small Quantity of Vegetables You have Sent ... Eighth Tractate. Why Distant Objects Appear Small. Thesaurus Small (1110 Occurrences)... things of the same kind; little in quantity or degree; diminutive; not large or extended in dimension; not great; not much; inconsiderable; as, a small man; a ... /s/small.htm - 8k Sparrow (4 Occurrences) Stamped (27 Occurrences) Mote (6 Occurrences) Sprinkle (37 Occurrences) Shiver (3 Occurrences) Speck (6 Occurrences) Sip (1 Occurrence) Cattle (277 Occurrences) Scroll (70 Occurrences) Resources Why should a church have a small group ministry? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Luther's Small Catechism? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that God speaks in a still small voice? | GotQuestions.org Small: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Small (1110 Occurrences)Small appears 1110 times in 12 translations. You can narrow your search using the Advanced Bible Search. Subtopics Related Terms Marriage-feasts (6 Occurrences) Passover-offerings (4 Occurrences) |
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