Lexical Summary héttón: Lesser, inferior, weaker Original Word: ἥττων 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 Originvariant 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 Semantic Scope The term denotes a comparative state of being “less,” “inferior,” or “worse,” whether in quality, advantage, honor, or benefit. It can describe a diminished condition as well as a conscious choice to accept a lesser position for the sake of others. Occurrences in the New Testament 1 Corinthians 11:17 – Paul rebukes the Corinthians for congregational meetings that do more harm than good, so that what should be spiritually beneficial turns out “for the worse.” 2 Corinthians 12:15 – Paul speaks of gladly expending himself “even if I am to be spent for your souls,” asking whether, after giving everything, the Corinthians will “love me the less.” Contextual Analysis 1 Corinthians 11:17. The gathering intended for worship had degenerated into factions and selfishness. By saying their coming together results in something “worse,” Paul contrasts God-intended edification with human-induced deterioration. The word underscores that any practice, no matter how outwardly religious, becomes spiritually detrimental when love and unity are lacking. 2 Corinthians 12:15. Here the term moves from qualitative deterioration to relational diminishment. Paul anticipates that his sacrificial service might still be met with a lesser love from the church. The vocabulary exposes the possibility that the very people benefiting from ministry can value their shepherd “the less,” highlighting the costliness of apostolic love. Historical and Cultural Background In Greco-Roman rhetoric the comparative was often used in honor-shame contexts, measuring worth, status, or benefit. Paul co-opts the common idea of social inferiority but reframes it around spiritual values. “Less” is not a matter of societal rank but of spiritual profit and affection. Thus what the world calls “inferior” may actually be obedience, and what appears “worse” may reveal a heart unsubmitted to Christ. Theological and Pastoral Implications • Worship gatherings can slip from blessing to detriment when self-interest overrides the Lord’s design. Intertextual Connections • Philippians 2:3–4 urges believers to “regard others as more important” than themselves—the inverse of becoming “less” in worldly sight but “greater” in kingdom economy. Application for Ministry 1. Evaluate corporate worship: does it produce spiritual good or covert harm? Adjust practices to foster unity and edification. Summary Strong’s Greek 2276 challenges believers to assess life and ministry through the lens of spiritual profit rather than social standing. Whether warning against gatherings that become “worse” or portraying a servant possibly loved “the less,” Scripture redirects attention to the heart’s posture before God, calling the Church to pursue what is genuinely “better” in His sight. Forms and Transliterations ησσον ήσσον ἧσσον ησσόνων ήσσων ήττον ήττονες ήττους ήττων esson ēsson hesson hêsson hēsson hē̂ssonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Corinthians 11:17 Adj-ANS-CGRK: εἰς τὸ ἧσσον συνέρχεσθε KJV: but for the worse. INT: for the worse you come together 2 Corinthians 12:15 Adj-ANS-C |
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