Worse Than Expected: χείρων (Strong’s G5501: cheiron) Reveals Divine Redemption’s Need

Strong’s G5501: An irregular comparative of κακός (kakos), χείρων denotes something worse, more severe, or of inferior quality. Used metaphorically and literally to describe deteriorating conditions or comparative states of evil, emphasizing the need for divine intervention.

U – Unveiling the Word

χείρων serves as a powerful comparative adjective in the New Testament, illustrating the concept of deterioration or worsening conditions. Its usage often highlights the stark contrast between spiritual states or physical conditions. In theological contexts, it frequently appears in passages warning about spiritual regression or the consequences of rejecting divine truth. The early church fathers employed this term to emphasize the severity of falling away from faith and the critical nature of maintaining spiritual vigilance. Today, it reminds us of our continuous need for sanctification and the danger of spiritual complacency.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χείρων, cheiron, /khi’-rone/
• Detailed pronunciation: KEY-rone (where ‘key’ is pronounced as in door key)
• Part of Speech: Comparative Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: Irregular comparative of κακός (kakos)
• Comparative suffix: -ων (indicates comparison)
• Note: This is an irregular comparative form, not following standard comparative patterns

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:
• Worse
• More severe
• More evil
• Of inferior quality
• More grievous

For compound words: Not applicable as this is not a compound word

Translation Options:

1. “Worse” – Most common translation capturing the comparative nature
2. “More severe” – Useful when emphasizing intensity of condition
3. “More grievous” – Particularly effective in moral or spiritual contexts

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κακός (kakos) /ka-kos’/ – base form meaning “bad/evil” See G2556
• πονηρός (poneros) /pon-ay-ros’/ – actively evil/malicious See G4190
• φαῦλος (phaulos) /fow’-los/ – worthless/evil See G5337

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Adjective Features:

• Case: Varies (Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative)
• Number: Singular and Plural forms
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: Third declension comparative

Example morphological changes:

• Masculine nominative singular: χείρων
• Neuter nominative singular: χεῖρον
• Masculine/Feminine accusative plural: χείρονας

Cross-references: κακίων (comparative adjective form rarely used)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

χείρων represents a distinctive irregular comparative form that appears in crucial New Testament contexts. BDAG emphasizes its use in both physical and moral deterioration, while Thayer’s highlights its connection to progressive states of evil. LSJ provides extensive classical usage examples showing its broader semantic range. Vine’s notes its particular force in describing spiritual regression. Moulton and Milligan document its frequent appearance in papyri describing deteriorating conditions. Strong’s connects it to its root κακός, while LEH provides valuable Septuagint usage patterns showing consistency with New Testament applications.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:

Matthew 9:16: “No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch tears away from the garment, and a worse [χείρων] tear is made.”

Additional References:
Matthew 12:45, Matthew 27:64, Mark 2:21, Luke 11:26, 1 Timothy 5:8, 2 Peter 2:20

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

χείρων serves as a powerful reminder of humanity’s potential for spiritual deterioration without divine intervention. Its usage in the New Testament often appears in contexts warning about the dangers of spiritual regression and the serious consequences of rejecting truth. This word powerfully proclaims the good news of King Jesus by highlighting our desperate need for His redemption and ongoing sanctification. It reminds us that without His grace, we inevitably drift toward worse conditions, making His salvation all the more precious.

D – Did You Know?

1. χείρων is one of the few irregular comparative adjectives in Koine Greek that maintained its irregular form throughout various dialects
2. It appears in several of Jesus’ parables about spiritual conditions
3. The word influenced early Christian teachings about progressive sanctification

Strong’s G5501: An irregular comparative of κακός (kakos), χείρων denotes something worse, more severe, or of inferior quality. Used metaphorically and literally to describe deteriorating conditions or comparative states of evil, emphasizing the need for divine intervention.

Part of speech: Comparative Adjective

Tags: comparative, worse, evil, deterioration, spiritual regression, moral decline, New Testament Greek, biblical Greek, theological terms, spiritual condition​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​