ἥσσων (hētton, hēssōn)
hētton, hēssōn
less/worse
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective hētton means "less," "weaker," or "inferior." It is the comparative form of a root meaning small or slight, so it describes something that falls short in degree or value compared to another thing. In the New Testament, this word appears only twice, both within Paul’s letters to the Corinthians.
Paul uses this term to highlight a contrast between two states. In 1 Corinthians 11:17, he says that their gatherings come together not for the better but hētton, or "for the worse," indicating a decline in quality and unity. Similarly, in 2 Corinthians 12:15, Paul offers his own resources and himself, stating he will gladly spend and be spent even if they are hēssōn, or "less" valued by the church. The word captures a sense of being undervalued or diminished.
Its rarity in Scripture gives it weight when it does appear. It is not about moral failure but about relative standing or outcome. Translators often render it as "worse" or "less," depending on whether the context points to quality or quantity. The word reminds readers that human worth and church unity are measured differently than worldly standards of success.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ἥσσων carries a quiet weight in Scripture, describing things that are lesser or worse. In 1 Corinthians 11:17, Paul uses it to show how division harms the church community. When we gather not for unity but for selfish gain, we make the situation worse. This reminds us that our actions have real consequences for others.
Yet there is hope in its other use. In 2 Corinthians 12:15, Paul speaks of being loved less. He does not withdraw his love or service because of this. Instead, he continues to give freely. This shows that true value does not depend on how much we are appreciated by people.
Your worth is not measured by others' approval. You can serve with confidence, knowing that God sees your heart. Even when you feel undervalued, your love remains powerful and meaningful.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- worse1×
- less1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἧσσον2×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 11:17
But in giving you this command I don’t praise you, because you come together not for the better but for the worse.
Paul uses this word to describe how selfish divisions make the church gathering worse instead of better.
-
II Corinthians 12:15
I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved the less?
Paul asks if he is loved less because he gives more, showing his love does not depend on equal return.