Original Word: κρείσσων
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: kreisson
Pronunciation: krice'-sone
Phonetic Spelling: (krice'-son)
KJV: better
Word Origin: [neuter of an alternate form of G2909 (κρείττων - better)]

1. (as noun) better, i.e. greater advantage

better.

Neuter of an alternate form of kreitton; (as noun) better, i.e. Greater advantage -- better.

see GREEK kreitton

Word Origin
see kreittón.

Overview

The comparative translated “better” appears four times in the Greek New Testament. Each instance elevates one choice, experience, or spiritual condition above another, directing believers toward what most honors Christ and strengthens His people.

Occurrences in Pauline Letters

1 Corinthians 7:38

“So then he who marries the virgin does well, but he who does not marry her does better.”

Against the backdrop of “the present distress,” Paul presents consecrated singleness as the more advantageous course for undivided service, while still affirming the goodness of marriage.

1 Corinthians 11:17

“In the following instructions I have no praise to offer, because your gatherings do more harm than good.”

The assemblies at Corinth, marred by factionalism, fail to achieve the edifying result that should have made them “better.” The comparative exposes a gap between divine intention and human practice.

Philippians 1:23

“I am torn between the two. I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better indeed.”

Here “better” points to the surpassing privilege of post-mortem fellowship with Christ, yet Paul willingly postpones that gain for the church’s progress and joy.

Occurrence in Hebrews

Hebrews 6:9

“Even though we speak like this, beloved, we are convinced of better things in your case—things that accompany salvation.”

After stern warning, the writer expresses confidence that his readers will manifest the superior realities inseparable from true salvation—perseverance, love, and fruitful ministry.

Theological Significance

Superiority of the Spiritual

Every occurrence contrasts what is permissible with what is spiritually advantageous. The term invites believers to consider not merely “Is it lawful?” but “Is it better?”

Eschatological Orientation

Philippians 1:23 and Hebrews 6:9 anchor present choices in future consummation. True “better” is evaluated in the light of coming glory.

Corporate Discernment

1 Corinthians 11:17 warns that public worship is to be judged by the edification it produces. A gathering is only “better” when it builds up the body.

Personal Vocation

In 1 Corinthians 7, “better” guides individual decisions regarding marriage and ministry focus, resisting blanket prescriptions and honoring diverse callings.

Historical Background

Both Jewish wisdom literature (Proverbs’ “better than” sayings) and Greco-Roman moralists ranked actions by comparative value. New Testament writers adopt this idiom but root their assessments in Christ’s redemptive work and kingdom priorities.

Ministry Applications

• Decision-Making: Evaluate options by their spiritual profit, not mere permissibility.
• Worship Review: Retain or reform practices based on whether they leave the church “better.”
• Singleness vs. Marriage: Each believer should discern which state maximizes gospel fruitfulness in present circumstances.
• Facing Death: Confidence that being with Christ is “far better” fosters courage in suffering and sacrificial service now.
• Pastoral Encouragement: Balance warning with assurance, expressing confidence in “better things” that accompany genuine faith.

The term consistently summons the church to embrace what is most advantageous for God’s glory and the good of His people.

κρεισσον κρείσσον κρεῖσσον κρεισσονα κρείσσονα κρείσσους κρείσσων κρείττον κρείττόν κρείττονα κρείττονι κρείττονος κρείττονός κρείττοσι κρείττοσιν κρείττω κρείττων kreisson kreîsson kreissona kreíssona kreittona kreíttonaInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts