ΕΙΚΟΝΙΟΝ

Definition

The term εἰκόνιον (to) is a diminutive of the noun εἰκών (he), meaning 'small image, small likeness, small portrait.' The word derives from the root εἰκ- of the verb ἔοικα ('to be like, resemble'). In classical antiquity, εἰκόνιον referred to any small representation, such as a statuette, a relief, or a painted portrait of modest size. Its use often implied the intimacy or personal nature of the object, in contrast to larger, public depictions.

With the evolution of Christian art, particularly during the Byzantine period, εἰκόνιον acquired a specialized and sacred meaning. It then referred to a small, portable image of saints or divine figures, used for personal worship, prayer, or as an amulet. These εἰκόνια were often crafted from precious materials and were objects of particular veneration, easily carried and placed in private spaces or small chapels.

The distinction between εἰκών and εἰκόνιον was not always strict, but the diminutive emphasized the small scale and often the private or personal use. The word retains the fundamental meaning of 'likeness' or 'representation,' but applies it to an object of smaller size and, later, of specific religious content. Its significance is central to understanding the development of Orthodox iconography and the veneration of images.

Main Meanings

1. Small likeness, statuette — In classical antiquity, any small representation of a person or thing, such as a small statue or relief. (Plato, «Republic» 510a, though the more general «εἰκών» is used there).
2. Small portrait — A small painted or sculpted depiction of a person, often for personal use or as a memento.
3. Portable sacred icon — During the Byzantine and post-Byzantine periods, a small, portable religious image, typically painted on wood, used for devotional purposes. (Byzantine sources, e.g., Theodore the Studite).
4. Amuletic image — A small εἰκόνιον worn or carried as a means of protection or blessing, particularly by soldiers or travelers.
5. Representation in miniature — More generally, anything that constitutes a small or condensed representation of a larger whole or idea.
6. Figurative representation — Metaphorically, a symbolic or schematic depiction of a concept or situation, on a small scale.

Word Family

εἰκ- (root of the verb ἔοικα, meaning 'to be like, resemble')

The root εἰκ- forms the core of a word family revolving around the concept of likeness, representation, and conjecture. Originating from the ancient verb ἔοικα, which expresses the quality of resembling or appearing, this root has given rise to nouns, verbs, and adjectives that describe both material depiction and intellectual comparison or hypothesis. Its productivity is evident from the classical era to the Byzantine, where the concept of 'image' acquired theological dimensions.

In Ancient Texts

Although εἰκόνιον does not frequently appear in classical texts, the concept of image and likeness is central. We cite passages that highlight the significance of its root:

The 18 Methods

Applying the 18 traditional lexarithmic methods to the word ΕΙΚΟΝΙΟΝ:

Sources & Bibliography

• Liddell, H. G., Scott, R., Jones, H. S. — A Greek-English Lexicon. Clarendon Press, Oxford, 9th ed., 1940.
• Bauer, W., Arndt, W. F., Gingrich, F. W., Danker, F. W. — A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature. University of Chicago Press, 3rd ed., 2000.
• Plato — Republic. Oxford University Press, various editions.
• Plato — Sophist. Oxford University Press, various editions.
• Homer — Iliad. Oxford University Press, various editions.
• Paul, Apostle — To the Colossians. New Testament, various editions.
• Byzantine Art and Iconography — General studies and histories of Byzantine art.
• Lexicon of Modern Greek — Institute of Modern Greek Studies (Manolis Triantafyllidis Foundation), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.