from ἡττάω; a deterioration, i.e. (objectively) failure or (subjectively) loss:--diminishing, fault.
Transliteration:hḗttēma
Pronunciation:hayt'-tay-mah
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ἥττημα (G2275), transliterated as *hḗttēma*, is derived from the verb ἡττάω (hēttaō), meaning "to be inferior," "to be defeated," or "to diminish." At its core, ἥττημα conveys a sense of inferiority, a state of being less, or a deficiency. The base definition provided encapsulates two primary facets of this meaning: objectively, it refers to a "failure" or a shortcoming; subjectively, it denotes a "loss" or a state of being diminished. The King James Version accurately captures these nuances by translating it as "diminishing" or "fault," implying a falling short of an expected standard or outcome. It does not necessarily imply absolute ruin, but rather a state of being less than optimal or complete.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἥττημα appears exclusively twice in the New Testament, both instances occurring within the same verse in Paul's Epistle to the Romans, specifically [[Romans 11:12]]. This singular context is crucial for a full understanding of its theological weight.
In [[Romans 11:12]], Paul writes: "Now if their transgression be the riches of the world, and their diminishing (ἥττημα) the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?" Here, ἥττημα refers to the temporary spiritual setback or partial hardening of Israel, which resulted from their "transgression" (παράπτωμα, `{{G3900}}`) or falling away from God's full covenant blessings through Christ. It is a "diminishing" not in the sense of complete annihilation or abandonment, but rather a temporary state of being "less" than their intended spiritual abundance and covenant standing.
The immediate context of [[Romans 11:12]] is Paul's profound discussion on God's ongoing plan for Israel and the Gentiles. Paul argues that Israel's ἥττημα was not a final defeat but a divinely orchestrated event that paradoxically led to the "riches" of the gospel being extended to the Gentile world. This highlights a key aspect of God's redemptive strategy, where a temporary "failure" or "loss" for one group leads to profound blessing for another. The term is explicitly contrasted with "fulness" (πλήρωμα, `{{G4138}}`), emphasizing that Israel's ἥττημα is not their ultimate or permanent state but a phase preceding their future restoration and spiritual completion.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ἡττάω (hēttaō):** The verbal root of ἥττημα, meaning "to be inferior," "to be defeated," or "to diminish." This direct etymological link underscores the concept of being made less or experiencing a setback, from which the noun derives its sense of a state of inferiority or loss.
* **παράπτωμα (paraptōma, `{{G3900}}`):** Meaning "transgression" or "trespass." In [[Romans 11:11-12]], Paul uses παράπτωμα to describe Israel's initial act of disobedience that led to their ἥττημα. While παράπτωμα is the *cause* (the act of falling aside), ἥττημα is the *consequence* (the state of being diminished or a failure).
* **πτῶμα (ptōma, `{{G4431}}`):** Meaning "a fall" or "a ruin." While ἥττημα implies a "failure" or "loss," πτῶμα often denotes a more catastrophic or definitive "fall" or "ruin." Paul carefully avoids using πτῶμα for Israel's state in Romans 11, reinforcing that their ἥττημα is not an irreparable ruin but a temporary condition.
* **ἀπώλεια (apōleia, `{{G684}}`):** Meaning "destruction," "ruin," or "perishing." This term signifies ultimate loss or destruction, a fate Paul explicitly denies for Israel as a whole in Romans 11. ἥττημα is a much milder and more provisional term than ἀπώλεια.
* **πλήρωμα (plērōma, `{{G4138}}`):** Meaning "fulness" or "completion." This is the direct antonym of ἥττημα in [[Romans 11:12]]. The contrast highlights the temporary nature of Israel's ἥττημα and the divine promise of their future πλήρωμα, or full restoration.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἥττημα is profound, particularly within Paul's eschatological and soteriological framework in Romans 9-11.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Redemptive History:** The primary theological implication of ἥττημα in [[Romans 11:12]] is its role in God's sovereign plan for salvation history. Israel's "diminishing" was not an unforeseen accident but a divinely purposed event that facilitated the inclusion of the Gentiles into God's covenant blessings. It demonstrates God's ability to use even human shortcomings and temporary setbacks for His ultimate redemptive purposes, turning what appears to be a failure into a catalyst for wider blessing.
* **Israel's Enduring Place in God's Plan:** The term underscores the temporary and partial nature of Israel's spiritual hardening. Their ἥττημα is not a permanent rejection or a final state of condemnation, but a strategic pause that allows for the "riches" of the gospel to reach the Gentiles. This provides a strong foundation for the hope of Israel's future restoration and "fulness," preventing any notion of God abandoning His chosen people.
* **The Paradox of God's Economy:** ἥττημα illustrates a remarkable paradox in God's divine economy: a "diminishing" for one group (Israel) leads to "riches" for another (Gentiles). This showcases the intricate and often counter-intuitive ways God works out His will, demonstrating His wisdom and power to bring good out of apparent negatives.
* **Warning Against Gentile Arrogance:** For Gentile believers, understanding Israel's ἥττημα serves as a crucial warning against spiritual arrogance. Paul uses this concept to remind Gentiles that their current inclusion in God's family is directly tied to Israel's temporary stumble, and therefore they should not boast against the natural branches ([[Romans 11:18-21]]). It fosters humility and gratitude among Gentile believers.
### Summary
The Greek term ἥττημα (G2275) signifies a "deterioration," "failure," or "loss," stemming from the concept of being inferior or diminished. Its two occurrences in [[Romans 11:12]] are central to understanding Paul's intricate theology of salvation history. Here, ἥττημα describes the temporary spiritual setback or "diminishing" of Israel, which paradoxically resulted in the "riches" of the gospel being extended to the Gentiles. Crucially, this state is contrasted with "fulness" (πλήρωμα, `{{G4138}}`), indicating that Israel's ἥtthēma is not a permanent state of defeat but a provisional phase within God's redemptive plan, ultimately leading to their future restoration. Theologically, ἥtthēma highlights God's sovereign wisdom in using even perceived failures to advance His purposes, underscores the enduring hope for Israel's future, and serves as a vital caution against spiritual pride among Gentile believers. It is a term that speaks to a temporary state of being less, pregnant with the promise of ultimate divine restoration.
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