### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word κομψότερον (kompsóteron), Strong's `{{G2866}}`, is a neuter comparative form derived from the base of `{{G2865}}` (κομψός, *kompsos*). The root word `{{G2865}}` primarily denotes "well-dressed," "elegant," or "refined," often referring to outward appearance or good taste. As a comparative, κομψότερον would literally mean "more elegant" or "nicer." However, in its sole New Testament occurrence, its semantic range shifts significantly to a figurative sense, indicating an improvement in health. Thus, its core meaning in biblical context is "convalescent," "better," or "improving in health." This represents a metaphorical extension from a state of being "well-ordered" or "fine" in appearance to a state of being "well" or "fine" in physical condition, particularly in recovery from illness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κομψότερον appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[John 4:52]]. The context is the healing of the royal official's son in Capernaum. The official, having heard that Jesus was in Cana, traveled there to implore Jesus to heal his son, who was at the point of death. Jesus simply states, "Go; your son will live" [[John 4:50]]. The official believes Jesus' word and begins his journey home.
Upon his return, his servants meet him and confirm his son's recovery. The crucial detail is their response: "So he asked them the hour when he began to get better (κομψότερον ἔσχεν). And they said to him, 'Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him'" [[John 4:52]]. Here, κομψότερον describes the precise moment the boy's condition improved. It signifies not merely a cessation of the fever, but a tangible, observable amelioration of his state, indicating a genuine and immediate recovery. This single usage powerfully underscores the efficacy and precision of Jesus' healing word. The servants' use of this specific term confirms a noticeable and definitive turning point in the boy's health, aligning perfectly with the very hour Jesus spoke the word of healing.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is `{{G2865}}` (κομψός, *kompsos*), from which κομψότερον is derived. While `{{G2865}}` speaks of elegance or refinement, the comparative form `{{G2866}}` in its biblical usage demonstrates a fascinating semantic shift. This shift highlights how language can adapt to describe new realities, moving from a superficial assessment of appearance to a profound observation of physical well-being.
Other related concepts include:
* **Healing:** The broader theme of divine healing (e.g., ἰάομαι, *iaomai*, to heal; θεραπεύω, *therapeuō*, to cure). The use of κομψότερον emphasizes the *process* of getting better, even if instantaneous in this miraculous context.
* **Restoration:** The concept of restoration from sickness to health, from a state of decline to one of improvement.
* **Faith:** The official's faith is validated by the physical evidence described by κομψότερον.
* **Miracle:** The term describes the observable outcome of a divine intervention, a sign (σημεῖον, *sēmeion*) that points to Jesus' authority.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of κομψότερον in [[John 4:52]] carries significant theological weight.
1. **Precision of Divine Action:** The word highlights the exactness and immediate efficacy of Jesus' healing power. The servants pinpoint the "seventh hour" as the moment the boy "began to get better," precisely when Jesus had spoken the word of healing. This underscores that God's power is not vague or delayed but precise and instantaneous.
2. **Confirmation of Faith:** The official's belief in Jesus' word, despite the distance and lack of physical presence, is validated by the objective improvement in his son's condition. The report of the servants, using κομψότερον, serves as empirical evidence supporting the truth of Jesus' claim and confirming the father's faith, leading to his entire household believing [[John 4:53]].
3. **Nature of Christ's Authority:** This miracle, described by the boy "getting better," demonstrates Jesus' authority over sickness and death, not limited by geographical distance. His mere word is sufficient to effect profound physical change, revealing His divine nature and power.
4. **Authenticity of the Miracle:** The use of a term indicating a genuine, observable improvement (rather than just the fever breaking) testifies to the thoroughness of the healing. It wasn't a temporary remission but a true turning point towards full recovery, a testament to the comprehensive nature of Christ's restorative work.
### Summary
The Greek word κομψότερον (kompsóteron), Strong's `{{G2866}}`, though literally meaning "more elegant" or "nicer," is used figuratively and exclusively in the New Testament to signify "convalescent" or "improving in health." Its single appearance in [[John 4:52]] describes the immediate and precise moment the royal official's son "began to get better" after Jesus spoke the word of healing. This seemingly simple word profoundly illustrates the instantaneous and complete efficacy of Christ's divine power, validating faith, demonstrating His supreme authority over illness, and affirming the authentic nature of His miracles. It stands as a subtle yet powerful testament to the transformative impact of Jesus' word.
TRV