← G2736 G2738 →

κατώτερος

katṓteros

G2737 attributive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Comparative form meaning 'lower' in position, below or beneath something else; used of spatial or local inferiority. In specific contexts, refers to realms beneath the earth, especially the underworld (e.g., Hades).

Semantic Range

lower (in position), situated beneath, the underworld (Hades), subterranean regions, locally inferior

Root / Etymology

Formed from the preposition/adverb κάτω ('down, below, beneath') with the comparative suffix -τερος, indicating lower position relative to something else.

Historical & Contextual Notes

κατώτερος is primarily a spatial comparative rarely found outside literary and technical texts. In Koine and New Testament contexts, it typically designates something physically beneath another level or region, notably in reference to the 'lower parts of the earth' (Ephesians 4:9), which may allude to the underworld (Hades) but can also refer generally to subterranean or earthly regions beneath the sky. This term is less common in earlier Greek, where 'inferior' could be expressed with other comparatives of place or amount. The translation 'inferior' in English perhaps misleads by suggesting value judgment; the primary meaning is local, not qualitative. In the Septuagint, no direct usage is attested but related forms appear. Later translation traditions render the term as 'lower' or 'lowest,' especially when speaking of places below ground or under the earth. Contrast with forms like ἄνωτερος ('higher') or comparative forms of other locative adverbs.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

comparative from κάτω; inferior (locally, of Hades):--lower.

Root Family

κατώτερος (katōteros) — lower in position, beneath, situated below

Root καττωνερος to be beneath, to be lower

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2737-01 κατώτερα katotera ADJ.A ACC N PL COMP lower the lower regions lower regions 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2737-01 Ephesians 4:9 κατώτερα katotera ADJ.A ACC N PL COMP lower the lower regions lower regions
← G2736 Greek Lexicon G2738 →