### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **anektóteros**, represented by `{{G414}}`, is a comparative term meaning **more endurable** or **more tolerable**. It appears **6 times** in **6 unique verses**, always within the context of divine judgment. Its use emphasizes a contrast in the severity of consequences for different groups or places.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G414}}` is used exclusively by Jesus to deliver a sober warning. He states that on the **day** `{{G2250}}` of **judgment** `{{G2920}}`, the fate of notoriously sinful cities of the past will be **more tolerable** than that of the cities that witnessed His miracles and heard His message but refused to repent. For instance, it will be **more tolerable** for the **land** `{{G1093}}` of **Sodom** `{{G4670}}` and **Gomorrha** `{{G1116}}` than for a **city** `{{G4172}}` that rejects His disciples ([[Matthew 10:15]], [[Mark 6:11]]). Similarly, the judgment for **Tyre** `{{G5184}}` and **Sidon** `{{G4605}}` will be **more tolerable** than for the unrepentant cities of Jesus' time [[Matthew 11:22]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the use of `{{G414}}`:
* `{{G2250}}` **hēméra** (day): This word is consistently paired with `{{G414}}` to specify the time of reckoning as the "day of judgment" [[Matthew 10:15]]. It defines the specific period when this comparative judgment will occur.
* `{{G2920}}` **krísis**: This word, meaning judgment, is the event during which the state of being "more tolerable" will be determined. All uses of `{{G414}}` occur in the context of this future judgment [[Luke 10:14]].
* `{{G4172}}` **pólis** (city): The warnings involving `{{G414}}` are directed at a collective **city** or region, emphasizing corporate responsibility for rejecting the gospel message [[Luke 10:12]].
* `{{G4670}}` **Sodoma** (Sodom): Used as a benchmark for wickedness, Jesus' statement that it will be **more tolerable** for **Sodom** `{{G4670}}` highlights the extreme gravity of rejecting His message [[Matthew 11:24]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G414}}` is significant, revealing key principles about divine justice.
* **Degrees of Judgment:** The core meaning of **more tolerable** establishes that judgment is not uniform. Consequences are directly related to the level of spiritual light and opportunity a person or city has received.
* **Greater Accountability:** The term is used to teach that those who are given more—witnessing miracles and hearing the gospel directly—are held to a higher standard. Rejecting greater revelation leads to a less tolerable outcome [[Matthew 11:24]].
* **The Gravity of Unbelief:** The comparison to places like **Sodom** `{{G4670}}` and **Tyre** `{{G5184}}` underscores the seriousness of refusing to **receive** `{{G1209}}` or **hear** `{{G191}}` God's messengers. Such rejection is presented as a graver offense than the sins for which those ancient cities were known [[Mark 6:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G414}}` **anektóteros** serves a specific and powerful theological purpose. While used sparingly, it functions as a crucial comparative adjective to illustrate that accountability is proportional to revelation. It conveys that a less severe judgment awaits even the most infamous sinners of the past compared to those who have seen and heard the clear presentation of the gospel and have turned away from it.
TRV