"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); 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); 25:40,45; 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."
a comparative degree formed from No. 1, is used in Ephesians 3:8 , "less than the least."
"small little," is translated "the least" in Acts 8:10; Hebrews 8:11 , with reference to rank or influence. See LITTLE , A, No. 1.
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."