τομώτερος (G5114) — Greek Lexicon

τομώτερος

tomṓteros

G5114 substantive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Comparative form indicating 'sharper' or 'more keenly cutting'; describes something possessing a heightened degree of cutting ability or effectiveness, especially used figuratively for incisiveness or penetrative power, whether physical or metaphorical (e.g., penetrating speech, judgment, or perception).

Semantic Range

sharper, more keenly cutting, more incisive, more penetrating (physically or metaphorically)

Root / Etymology

Derived as the comparative of τομός ('sharp, cutting'), from the verb τέμνω ('to cut, sever'). Related to the root τομ- meaning 'to cut.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

τομώτερος is attested only in Hebrews 4:12 in the New Testament, where it is used in comparison ('sharper than any two-edged sword') to describe the effectiveness and penetrative quality of the word of God. The term highlights an intensified, superlative form of sharpness. While classical and Hellenistic usage favors the basic adjective τομός, the comparative form is rare in extant literature. Standard English translations often render τομώτερος simply as 'sharper,' which reflects the comparative sense but may not capture the connotations of decisive, efficient, or incisive action implied by the root. The underlying notion is of something keenly effective, especially in making distinctions or penetrating to the core of a matter. The word may be contrasted with κόπτω ('to strike, to hack'), which implies a less precise, more laborious mode of cutting. In Koine usage, τομώτερος conveys both physical sharpness and a metaphorical capacity for incisive discernment.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

comparative of a derivative of the primary (to cut; more comprehensive or decisive than κόπτω, as if by a single stroke; whereas that implies repeated blows, like hacking); more keen:--sharper.

Root Family

τομώτερος (tomōteros) — to cut, to sever; sharp, cutting; incisive, penetrating

Root τομ- to cut, to sever

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G5114-01`	τομώτερος	tomoteros	`ADJ.S NOM M SG`	sharper	more cutting	sharper	1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G5114-01`	Hebrews 4:12	τομώτερος	tomoteros	`ADJ.S NOM M SG`	sharper	more cutting	sharper

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