Word Study for G2908 (κρεῖσσον)

kreîsson /krice'-son/ Ask about this word

Meaningneuter of an alternate form of κρείττων; (as noun) better, i.e. greater advantage

KJV usagebetter.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of kreîsson — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word kreîsson, represented by G2908, serves as a comparative term meaning better or a greater advantage. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses, where it is used to establish a higher value or preference between two options. As the neuter form of a comparative adjective, it functions as a noun to signify a more advantageous state or choice.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

The word G2908 is used in two key Pauline contexts to weigh significant life choices. In Philippians 1:23, Paul expresses his personal desire to depart and be with Christ, describing it as "far better." Here, the word is used to compare the value of earthly ministry with the superior state of being in the presence of the Lord. In 1 Corinthians 7:38, the term is used to contrast two good paths, stating that while giving a daughter in marriage is to do "well," not giving her in marriage is to do "better," implying a state with greater potential for undistracted service to God.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the comparative nature of G2908:

G2573 kalōs (well (usually morally)): This adverb denotes an action that is good or well done. It provides the baseline for the comparison in 1 Corinthians 7:38, where doing "well" is contrasted with doing "better" G2908.
G3123 mâllon ((adverbially) more (in a greater degree) or rather): This adverb intensifies a comparison, indicating a greater degree. It is used directly with G2908 in Philippians 1:23 to emphasize that being with Christ is not just better, but "far better."

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G2908 lies in its application to Christian decision-making and values.

Establishing Spiritual Priorities: The word is used to frame a hierarchy of spiritual values. It places the eternal reality of being with Christ as far more desirable than continuing life on earth, even a life of fruitful ministry Philippians 1:23.
Good vs. Better: G2908 illustrates the principle that not all permissible or good choices are equally advantageous for the kingdom of God. Paul uses it to distinguish between the good path of marriage and the "better," more focused path of celibacy for those called to it 1 Corinthians 7:38.

Summary

In summary, G2908 is a focused term that provides a framework for evaluating choices based on their ultimate spiritual advantage. Though it appears only twice, its usage in comparing life with death and marriage with celibacy highlights a key aspect of Christian ethics: the pursuit not merely of what is good, but of what is better for the sake of serving and being with Christ.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as an adjective across 20 occurrences, inflected in 8 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

Genitive Singular Feminine Comparative 5×
Accusative Singular Neuter Comparative 4×
Nominative Singular Neuter Comparative 4×
Accusative Plural Neuter Comparative 2×
Dative Plural Feminine Comparative 2×
Accusative Singular Feminine Comparative 1×
Genitive Singular Masculine Comparative 1×
Nominative Singular Masculine Comparative 1×

Nominative: The subject of the verb.
Genitive: Possession or source — often "of".
Dative: The indirect object — often "to" or "for".
Accusative: The direct object of the verb.
Singular: One.
Plural: More than one.
Masculine: Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine: Feminine grammatical gender.
Neuter: Neuter grammatical gender.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 2 verses across 2 of the 27 books. Most frequent in 1 Corinthians and Philippians (1 verse each); never once in the other 25.

1 Corinthians

Philippians

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.