irregular comparative of κακός; from an obsolete equivalent (of uncertain derivation); more evil or aggravated (physically, mentally or morally):--sorer, worse.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term χείρων (cheírōn), Strong's number `{{G5501}}`, functions as the irregular comparative form of the adjective κακός (kakos), `{{G2556}}`. While κακός denotes "bad" or "evil" in a general sense, χείρων intensifies this, conveying the meaning of "worse" or "more evil," indicating a greater degree of negative quality or condition. Its semantic range is broad, encompassing physical, mental, and moral deterioration or aggravation. This comparative nature implies a preceding state or a standard against which the current condition is judged to be inferior or more severe. The definition highlights its application to various forms of decline: a physical ailment becoming "sorer" or more grievous, a mental state becoming more troubled, or a moral condition sinking to a deeper level of depravity. The note regarding its derivation from an "obsolete equivalent" underscores its established usage within the Greek lexicon, even if its etymological roots are obscure.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term χείρων appears in various New Testament contexts, consistently conveying a sense of deterioration or increased severity.
In the Synoptic Gospels, it frequently describes a state that has worsened. For instance, in the parable of the unclean spirit returning, Jesus warns: "Then it goes and brings with it seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first" [[Matthew 12:45]], also [[Luke 11:26]]. Here, χείρων plainly indicates a spiritual and moral decline that is more profound and dangerous than the initial condition. This highlights the peril of superficial cleansing without true spiritual transformation.
Similarly, in the context of patching old garments, Jesus states: "No one tears a piece from a new garment and puts it on an old garment; otherwise the new will tear, and the piece from the new will not match the old. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; otherwise the new wine will burst the skins and it will be spilled out, and the skins will be ruined. But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins. No one, after drinking old wine, wishes for new; for he says, 'The old is good enough.'" [[Luke 5:36]] (though the specific word χείρων is not in this verse, the concept of a worse outcome is implicit in the tearing). A more direct example is found in [[Mark 2:21]]: "No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. Otherwise, the new patch will pull away from the old, making the tear worse." Here, χείρων describes the physical deterioration of the garment, emphasizing the destructive outcome of incompatible mixtures.
The term also appears in warnings about the consequences of sin. In [[John 5:14]], after healing the paralytic, Jesus tells him, "Behold, you have become well; do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you." Here, χείρων implies that continued sin could lead to a more severe judgment or affliction, underscoring the gravity of sin and the mercy of God's warning.
Finally, in [[2 Peter 2:20]], the apostle speaks of those who, having escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of Christ, are again entangled and overcome: "For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first." This passage uses χείρων to describe a profound spiritual regression, indicating that a relapse into sin after experiencing truth is more perilous than initial ignorance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most immediate and fundamental related word to χείρων is its positive form, κακός (kakos), `{{G2556}}`, meaning "bad," "evil," "wicked," or "harmful." Χείρων functions as the comparative degree of this foundational term, indicating a heightened or intensified state of badness or evil.
The semantic field of χείρων therefore intersects with concepts of:
* **Deterioration and Decline:** It speaks to a worsening condition, whether physical, moral, or spiritual, implying a movement away from a more desirable or less severe state.
* **Severity and Aggravation:** The word conveys an increase in the degree of negative quality, suggesting that a problem or condition has become more serious.
* **Consequence and Judgment:** In theological contexts, χείρων often appears in discussions of the escalating consequences of sin or spiritual rebellion, pointing to a more severe outcome or divine judgment.
* **Moral and Spiritual Degeneration:** It highlights the tragic reality of individuals or communities falling into deeper levels of wickedness or spiritual estrangement from God.
* **Contrast and Comparison:** Inherently a comparative term, it always implies a comparison to a previous state or a different entity, emphasizing the relative inferiority or greater negativity of the subject.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of χείρων lies in its consistent portrayal of spiritual and moral decline, often serving as a stark warning. The concept of "worse" is not merely a descriptive comparison but a potent theological statement about the trajectory of life apart from God's grace or the consequences of rejecting His truth.
Firstly, it underscores the progressive nature of sin and spiritual apostasy. As seen in [[Matthew 12:45]] and [[2 Peter 2:20]], a superficial cleansing or a temporary escape from sin without genuine, lasting transformation can lead to a state far more dangerous and spiritually compromised than the initial condition. This emphasizes the need for radical, inward change wrought by the Holy Spirit, rather than mere external reformation.
Secondly, χείρων highlights the gravity of unaddressed sin and its potential for escalating consequences. Jesus' warning in [[John 5:14]] ("lest a worse thing happen to you") serves as a reminder that God's mercy in healing or deliverance does not negate the reality of future judgment if sin persists. It speaks to the principle of sowing and reaping, where continued transgression can lead to increasingly severe outcomes, both temporal and eternal.
Finally, the use of χείρων reinforces the biblical understanding of God's justice and the seriousness with which He views human choices. The idea that one's "last state" can become "worse than the first" is a somber truth that calls believers to vigilance, perseverance, and a deep commitment to walking in righteousness. It warns against complacency and spiritual backsliding, urging a continual pursuit of holiness and dependence on Christ's sustaining power.
### Summary
Χείρων (cheírōn), `{{G5501}}`, is the irregular comparative form of κακός (kakos), meaning "worse" or "more evil." Its semantic range covers physical, mental, and moral deterioration or aggravation. In biblical contexts, it consistently describes a state that has become more severe or detrimental than a previous one, often highlighting the perilous consequences of spiritual relapse or unaddressed sin. Key occurrences in the Gospels and Epistles illustrate its use in warning against spiritual decline, emphasizing the progressive nature of sin, and underscoring the gravity of human choices before God. Theologically, χείρων serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for escalating negative consequences and the critical importance of genuine, lasting transformation and perseverance in faith.
TRV