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ἥττον

hḗtton

G2276 attributive adjective

SILEX Entry

Root ἡτ- to be less, to be inferior, to be weaker

Definition

Comparative form meaning 'less' or 'inferior' in quality, degree, strength, or status; also used adverbially to indicate 'to a lesser degree,' and substantivally as 'something inferior' or 'the weaker/lesser party'. In context, may refer to something or someone of reduced merit, power, importance, or rank compared to another.

Semantic Range

less, inferior, weaker, to a lesser degree, in a lesser way, less important, less preferable, less powerful, something of lesser quality or status, worse

Root / Etymology

Comparative neuter form of ἥκων (being less, weaker), from the root ἡτ-; ultimately related to the verb ἡσσάομαι (to be less, be defeated, to be inferior), which itself is related to the notion of defeat or inferiority.

Historical & Contextual Notes

ἥττον in Koine and classical Greek often marks inferiority in strength, quality, virtue, or importance. It is sometimes used contrastively in argumentation (e.g. 'much less', 'much more') and can appear as an adverbial modifier. The word surfaces in philosophical, rhetorical, and legal literature to indicate something less preferable, less honorable, or weaker, frequently paired with its opposite, κρεῖττον or βέλτιον (better, stronger). In the New Testament, its use is rare but significant, often functioning in comparative or adversative statements. Septuagint usage roughly mirrors classical patterns. English Bible translations often render it simply as 'less' or 'worse', but this can obscure nuance—particularly when it refers specifically to status, power, or suitability rather than simple moral evaluation.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

neuter of comparative of (slightly) used for that of κακός; worse (as noun); by implication, less (as adverb):--less, worse.

Root Family

ἥττον (hēttōn) — less, inferior, weaker, to a lesser degree

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2276-01 ἧσσον esson ADJ.A ACC N SG COMP worse the lesser thing worse 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2276-01 1 Corinthians 11:17 ἧσσον esson ADJ.A ACC N SG COMP worse the lesser thing worse
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