### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **hḗttēma**, represented by `{{G2275}}`, signifies a deterioration, failure, or loss. It appears only **2 times** in **2 unique verses** in the Bible. The term's core meaning points to either an objective failure, such as a **diminishing**, or a subjective loss, described as a **fault**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical appearances, `{{G2275}}` is used to describe two distinct types of failure. In [[Romans 11:12]], it is translated as **diminishing** to describe the spiritual state of Israel, whose loss becomes the Gentiles' gain in the form of **riches**. In contrast, [[1 Corinthians 6:7]] uses the word as **fault** to condemn the Corinthian believers for taking one another to law. The very existence of lawsuits among them is presented as a moral failure, prompting the question of why they do not instead choose to take **wrong** `{{G91}}` or be **defrauded** `{{G650}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{G2275}}` is found:
* `{{G3900}}` **paráptōma** (fall, fault, offence, sin, trespass): This word describes a lapse or transgression. It is used alongside `{{G2275}}` in [[Romans 11:12]], where the "**fall**" of Israel is directly connected to their "**diminishing**" and the subsequent riches for the world.
* `{{G4138}}` **plḗrōma** (fulfilling, full, fulness): This term for completion or fulness stands in direct opposition to `{{G2275}}` in [[Romans 11:12]]. The "**diminishing**" of Israel is contrasted with the greater outcome of their future "**fulness**".
* `{{G91}}` **adikéō** (to do wrong): This word for acting unjustly is used in [[1 Corinthians 6:7]] as the action believers should rather suffer than commit the "**fault**" of suing each other. It highlights the choice between enduring personal wrong and causing a community failure.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2275}}` is seen in its depiction of failure and loss.
* **A Loss for a Greater Gain:** In Romans, the "**diminishing**" of Israel is not a final state but a part of God's redemptive plan. Their temporary loss leads to the "**riches** of the Gentiles," demonstrating how God works through even negative events to achieve a greater purpose, culminating in Israel's eventual "**fulness**" [[Romans 11:12]].
* **A Mark of Community Failure:** In 1 Corinthians, a "**fault**" `{{G2275}}` among believers is a sign of spiritual deterioration. Engaging in lawsuits rather than suffering being **defrauded** `{{G650}}` indicates a failure to live by the higher law of love and forgiveness that should characterize the church [[1 Corinthians 6:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2275}}` **hḗttēma** is a potent, though infrequently used, term for loss and failure. It defines both the spiritual "**diminishing**" of a people within God's sovereign economy [[Romans 11:12]] and the moral "**fault**" that damages the witness of a Christian community [[1 Corinthians 6:7]]. The word serves as a stark reminder of a state of deterioration that stands in contrast to the spiritual **fulness** and riches God provides.
TRV