from the same as ἥττον; to make worse, i.e. vanquish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to rate lower:--be inferior, overcome.
Transliteration:hēttáō
Pronunciation:hayt-tah'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb `{{G2274}}` (*hēttáō*) derives from the adjective `{{G2276}}` (*hētton*), meaning "less," "worse," or "inferior." Consequently, the core meaning of `{{G2274}}` is "to make worse" or "to render inferior." This fundamental sense extends to several significant semantic ranges:
1. **To Vanquish/Overcome:** In a literal or figurative sense, it denotes being defeated, conquered, or overpowered by an external force. This implies a state of being rendered "worse off" than before the engagement.
2. **To Be Inferior/To Rate Lower:** By implication, it can refer to a state of being regarded as less significant, of lower quality, or at a disadvantage compared to others. This reflects the passive or middle voice, where one is "made inferior" or "finds oneself inferior."
The term thus encapsulates both the active process of rendering something worse and the passive state of being made worse or defeated.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb `{{G2274}}` appears in the New Testament primarily in two distinct contexts, offering rich insights into its usage:
1. **2 Peter 2:19-20 (Spiritual Defeat and Enslavement):**
* [[2 Peter 2:19]]: "For by whom a man is overcome, by the same is he brought into bondage." Here, *hēttáō* is used in the passive voice ("is overcome"). The context describes false teachers and those who follow them, who promise freedom but are themselves slaves of corruption. To be "overcome" signifies a spiritual defeat leading directly to enslavement by sin. The power of sin or false teaching is such that it can conquer and subjugate an individual.
* [[2 Peter 2:20]]: "For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning." Again, the passive voice emphasizes the state of being "overcome" by the "pollutions of the world." The verse highlights the tragic consequence for those who, having once known the truth, return to their former ways and are subsequently defeated by them. The "worse" outcome explicitly links back to the root meaning of `{{G2274}}`, suggesting a more severe spiritual condition than their initial state of ignorance.
2. **2 Corinthians 12:13 (Perceived Inferiority):**
* [[2 Corinthians 12:13]]: "For what is it wherein ye were inferior to other churches, except it be that I myself was not burdensome to you? forgive me this wrong." In this instance, Paul uses *hēttáō* in a rhetorical question, again in the passive voice ("ye were inferior"). He is addressing the Corinthians' perception of his apostolic ministry. He sarcastically asks if their church was "made inferior" or "treated worse" than other churches simply because he refused to accept financial support from them. This usage reflects the "to rate lower" or "to be at a disadvantage" aspect of the word's semantic range, demonstrating a perceived slight or lack.
These occurrences reveal that `{{G2274}}` is employed to describe both a profound spiritual defeat leading to bondage and a more nuanced sense of perceived disadvantage or lower standing.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding `{{G2274}}` is enhanced by examining its linguistic relatives and conceptual antonyms:
* **`{{G2276}}` (*hētton*):** The adjective from which `{{G2274}}` is derived, meaning "less," "worse," or "inferior." This direct etymological link reinforces the core idea of diminishment or disadvantage.
* **`{{G2275}}` (*hēttēma*):** A noun meaning "defect," "loss," or "defeat." This noun form captures the outcome or state of being vanquished or having a deficiency. For example, in [[Romans 11:12]], it refers to Israel's "loss" or "failure."
* **`{{G3528}}` (*nikao*):** This verb means "to conquer," "to overcome," or "to be victorious." It stands as the direct opposite of `{{G2274}}`. While `{{G2274}}` signifies defeat and subjugation, `{{G3528}}` denotes triumph and mastery. The biblical emphasis on "overcoming the world" ([[1 John 5:4]]) or "overcoming the evil one" ([[1 John 2:13]]) highlights the Christian's call to victory *over* the very forces by which one might otherwise be `{{G2274}}` (*hēttáō*).
* **Concepts of Bondage and Freedom:** The use of `{{G2274}}` in 2 Peter directly links to the concept of spiritual slavery ([[Romans 6:16-17]]). Its opposite is the freedom found in Christ ([[John 8:36]], [[Galatians 5:1]]).
* **Spiritual Warfare:** The idea of being "overcome" by sin or false teaching points to the reality of spiritual conflict, where believers are engaged in a battle against spiritual forces ([[Ephesians 6:12]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological implications of `{{G2274}}` are profound, particularly in its usage in 2 Peter:
1. **The Gravity of Sin's Power:** The word underscores sin's formidable ability to conquer and enslave. It is not merely a moral lapse but a powerful force that can exert dominion over individuals, even those who have had exposure to the truth. This emphasizes humanity's inherent weakness and need for divine intervention.
2. **The Peril of Spiritual Regression:** The warning in [[2 Peter 2:20]] is stark. For those who have "escaped the pollutions of the world" but are subsequently "overcome" by them, their latter state is "worse." This highlights the severe consequences of apostasy or a return to a life of sin after professing faith. It suggests a heightened culpability and a more profound spiritual degradation. This is not merely a setback but a decisive defeat that leads to a more dire condition than initial ignorance.
3. **The Necessity of Divine Grace and Steadfastness:** Since individuals can be `{{G2274}}` (*hēttáō*) by sin, it implicitly points to the necessity of God's grace and power to *not* be overcome. True victory (`{{G3528}}`) comes not from human strength but through the Spirit of God and a steadfast commitment to Christ.
4. **Apostolic Integrity and Perceived Status:** In 2 Corinthians, Paul's use of `{{G2274}}` subtly addresses the Corinthians' worldly standards of evaluation. He challenges their perception of what constitutes a "superior" or "inferior" ministry, redirecting their focus from external appearances or financial arrangements to the substance of his gospel proclamation.
### Summary
The Greek verb `{{G2274}}` (*hēttáō*) fundamentally means "to make worse," "to vanquish," or "to render inferior." Its biblical occurrences illuminate two primary facets:
1. **Spiritual Defeat and Enslavement:** In [[2 Peter 2:19-20]], it powerfully describes those who, having known the truth, are nevertheless "overcome" by sin and thus brought into bondage. This underscores the destructive power of sin and the grave danger of spiritual regression, leading to a state "worse" than before.
2. **Perceived Disadvantage:** In [[2 Corinthians 12:13]], it is used rhetorically to question whether the Corinthian church was "inferior" or "disadvantaged" due to Paul's particular ministerial approach.
Contrasted with `{{G3528}}` (*nikao*, "to overcome/conquer"), `{{G2274}}` highlights the vulnerability of humanity to sin's power and the critical need for divine grace to avoid spiritual defeat. Theologically, it serves as a solemn warning against the perils of backsliding and emphasizes the profound consequences of being conquered by the very forces from which one was supposedly freed.
TRV