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ὕστερος

hýsteros

G5306 attributive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Later, coming after in time or order; in comparative form, indicating something subsequent or following another event, group, or individual. Also used for 'the latter' of two mentioned objects or persons.

Semantic Range

later, following, subsequent, latter (of two), next in order, coming after in time, secondary

Root / Etymology

From the root ὑστ- (hyst-), relating to being behind, following, coming after. Likely related to the preposition ὑπό (under, beneath, but also used for 'behind' in spatial/temporal sense). This comparative form marks something as occurring subsequent to a reference point.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Classical Greek, ὕστερος is found as a comparative of ὕστατος ('last'). It regularly means 'later' or 'next,' often used in temporal or logical sequencing. In Koine Greek, including the New Testament (e.g., Matthew 21:32), it marks something or someone subsequent, as in 'the latter' of two or a later time. It lacks the direct implication of inferiority; its sense is primarily sequential, not evaluative. Where English Bibles sometimes render it as 'last' or 'latter,' the Greek emphasizes sequence more than finality. The term is more general than εἰς ἔσχατον ('at last, finally'), which can carry eschatological resonance. In the Septuagint and wider Hellenistic usage, ὕστερος maintains the sense of something coming after, whether in time, place, or logical order.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

comparative from ὑπό (in the sense of behind); later:--latter.

Root Family

ὕστερος (hýsteros) — later, following, subsequent, latter, coming after

Root ὑστ- to follow, to come after, to be behind

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G5306-01 ὑστέροις usterois ADJ.A DAT M PL COMP later to later ones later times 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G5306-01 1 Timothy 4:1 ὑστέροις usterois ADJ.A DAT M PL COMP later to later ones later times
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