2276. héttón

Lexicon

héttón: Lesser, inferior, weaker

Original Word: ἥττων
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: héttón
Pronunciation: HAY-ton
Phonetic Spelling: (hate'-ton)
Definition: Lesser, inferior, weaker
Meaning: lesser, inferior, weaker.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

less, worse.

Neuter of comparative of heka (slightly) used for that of kakos; worse (as noun); by implication, less (as adverb) -- less, worse.

see GREEK kakos

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
variant reading for héssón, q.v.

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2276: ἥσσων

[ἥσσων, see ἥττων.]

STRONGS NT 2276: ἥττωνἥττων or (so L T Tr WH, see Sigma) ἥσσων, ἧσσον, inferior; neuter adverbially (from Homer down) less, 2 Corinthians 12:15; εἰς τό ἧσσον, for the worse (that ye may be made worse; opposed to εἰς τό κρεῖττον), 1 Corinthians 11:17.

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Comparative form of a derivative of the Greek verb ἡττάομαι (hēttaomai), meaning "to be inferior" or "to be overcome."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for ἥττων, the concept of being lesser or inferior can be found in various Hebrew terms that convey weakness or defeat, such as דַּל (dal, Strong's 1800) meaning "poor" or "weak," and חָלַשׁ (chalash, Strong's 2470) meaning "to be weak" or "to be defeated." These terms similarly express the idea of lacking strength or being in a subordinate position.

Usage: The word ἥττων is used in the New Testament to describe a state of being lesser or inferior, often in a moral or spiritual sense. It can also imply being defeated or overcome.

Context: The Greek term ἥττων appears in the New Testament to convey the idea of inferiority or weakness. It is used in contexts where a comparison is made between two entities, highlighting the lesser status or strength of one. In 2 Peter 2:19, the term is used to describe those who are "slaves to corruption," indicating a moral or spiritual inferiority: "They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves to corruption. For a man is a slave to whatever has overcome him" (BSB). This usage underscores the concept of being overcome by sinful desires, leading to a state of spiritual weakness or bondage.

The term can also be understood in a broader sense to describe any situation where one is in a position of lesser power or influence. In the cultural context of the New Testament, being ἥττων could imply a lack of social standing or authority, which was significant in a society that valued honor and status.

Theologically, the concept of being ἥττων can be contrasted with the Christian call to spiritual strength and victory over sin through Christ. The New Testament encourages believers to overcome the world and its temptations, rather than being overcome by them.

Forms and Transliterations

ησσον ήσσον ἧσσον ησσόνων ήσσων ήττον ήττονες ήττους ήττων esson ēsson hesson hêsson hēsson hē̂sson

Englishman's Concordance

1 Corinthians 11:17 Adj-ANS-C
GRK: εἰς τὸ ἧσσον συνέρχεσθε
KJV: but for the worse.
INT: for the worse you come together

2 Corinthians 12:15 Adj-ANS-C
GRK: ὑμᾶς ἀγαπῶν ἧσσον ἀγαπῶμαι
KJV: I love you, the less I be loved.
INT: you I love less I am loved

Strong's Greek 2276
2 Occurrences

ἧσσον — 2 Occ.