The Greek comparative adjective elasson (or elatton) is the comparative of mikros ('small, little') — meaning 'less, smaller, inferior, younger.' It is used in contexts of quantity (less wine), status (the younger/lesser), and degree (of less importance).
The most theologically charged use of elasson comes in Romans 9:12, quoting Genesis 25:23: 'the elder will serve the younger (elasson).' This reversal of the firstborn principle — Jacob over Esau, the lesser over the greater — is Paul's exhibit A for sovereign election: 'not because of works but because of him who calls.' John 2:10 uses the word for lesser wine served last. Hebrews 7:7 states the axiom: 'It is beyond dispute that the inferior (elasson) is blessed by the superior' — establishing Melchizedek's superiority over Abraham and thus Christ's over the Levitical priesthood. Throughout, elasson marks the surprising reversals of divine grace.