Least - Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words
Least
[ 1,,G1646, elachistos ]least," is a superlative degree formed from the word elachus, "little," the place of which was taken by mikros (the comparative degree being elasson, "less"); it is used of
(a) size, James 3:4;
(b) amount; of the management of affairs, Luke 16:10 (twice); Luke 19:17, "very little;"
(c) importance, 1 Corinthians 6:2, "smallest (matters);"
(d) authority: of commandments, Matthew 5:19;
(e) estimation, as to persons, Matthew 5:19 (2nd part); Matthew 25:40, Matthew 25:45; 1 Corinthians 15:9; as to a town, Matthew 2:6; as to activities or operations, Luke 12:26; 1 Corinthians 4:3, "a very small thing."
[ 2,,G1647, elachistoteros ]
a comparative degree formed from No. 1, is used in Ephesians 3:8, "less than the least."
[ 3,,G3398, mikros ]
"small little," is translated "the least" in Acts 8:10; Hebrews 8:11, with reference to rank or influence. See LITTLE, A, No. 1.
[ 4,,G3398, mikroteros ]
the comparative of No. 3, is used of
(a) size, Matthew 13:32, AV, "the least," RV, "less;" Mark 4:31 [cp. No. 1
(a)];
(b) estimation, Matthew 11:11; Luke 7:28, AV, "least," RV, "but little," marg., "lesser" (in the kingdom of heaven), those in the kingdom itself being less than John the Baptist [cp. No. 1
(e)]; Luke 9:48. See LESS.
Notes:
(1) In 1 Corinthians 6:4, AV, exoutheneo, in the Passive Voice, "to be of no account," is translated "is least esteemed" (RV, "are of no account"); See ACCOUNT.
(2) In Luke 19:42, the adverbial phrase kai ge, "at least," is found in some mss.; the RV follows those in which it is absent.
(3) In 1 Corinthians 9:2, AV, the phrase alla ge is rendered "doubtless;" RV, "at least."
(4) In Acts 5:15, the phrase k'an (for kai ean, "even if") denotes "at the least."