UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: few, less

Semantic entry: 59.3

Semantic domains: Quantity

Subdomains: Many, Few [Countables]

Definition: a relatively small quantity on any dimension

Sense 2: little, to a small degree, slight

Semantic entry: 78.8

Semantic domains: Degree

Subdomains: Much, Little [Positive-Negative Degree]

Definition: a relatively low point on a scale of extent

Notes: The first ὀλίγον in RV LUK 7:47 · LV LUK 7:47 · Read together LUK 7:47 is an expression of quantity (see 59.13: ὀλίγος), while the second ὀλίγον indicates degree. Accordingly, in some languages it may be necessary to translate RV LUK 7:47 · LV LUK 7:47 · Read together LUK 7:47 as ‘but whoever has been forgiven only a few things loves only a little bit.’|In a number of languages, however, it is impossible to speak of ‘not a little’ (a case of litotes or purposeful understatement). The appropriate equivalent in RV ACT 12:18 · LV ACT 12:18 · Read together ACT 12:18 would be simply ‘there was great confusion among the guards’ or ‘the guards were intensely disturbed’ or ‘the guards were in tremendous confusion.’

Sense 3: little, small amount

Semantic entry: 59.13

Semantic domains: Quantity

Subdomains: Much, Little [Masses, Collectives, Extensions]

Definition: a relatively small quantity

Sense 4: a little while, for a little while, a short time, brief, briefly

Semantic entry: 67.106

Semantic domains: Time

Subdomains: Duration of Time without Reference to Points or Units of Time: Time, Spend Time, Always, Eternal, Old, Immediately, Young

Definition: pertaining to a relatively brief extent of time{N:001}

Notes: It is also possible to interpret ἐν ὀλίγῳ in RV ACT 26:28 · LV ACT 26:28 · Read together ACT 26:28 as meaning ‘easily’ or ‘without difficulty’ (see 22.41: ἐν).|In some languages it may be best to translate the phrase in RV PE1 5:12 · LV PE1 5:12 · Read together PE1 5:12 as ‘I have written a brief letter.’

Collocations: δι᾽ ὀλίγων; ἐν ὀλίγῳ; πρὸς ὀλίγον