κομψότερον (kompsoteron)
kompsoteron
better
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The comparative adverb kompsoteron translates to "better" or "more finely," but its specific nuance is rooted in physical well-being. Derived from a root meaning "to take care of" or "to dress elegantly," it originally described someone who was neatly attired or thriving. In the New Testament, this sense of flourishing health shifts into a medical context, describing a state of improved bodily condition.
This word appears only once in Scripture, in John 4:52. When the royal official’s servants report that his son is recovering, they use kompsoteron to indicate he got better "yesterday at the seventh hour." The term captures not just survival, but a return to vitality and fine health, marking the precise moment of healing.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word kompsoteron carries a gentle warmth that goes beyond simple improvement. It suggests a return to fine health and vitality, painting a picture of someone who is not just surviving, but flourishing again. When we see this term in Scripture, it reminds us that God’s care often restores us to a state of wholeness, where our bodies and spirits are renewed.
In John 4:52, the royal official’s servants use this word to describe his son’s recovery. They did not merely say he was alive; they noted he had gotten better at a specific hour. This detail highlights the precision and faithfulness of God’s healing touch. It is a small but powerful reminder that our restoration is known and valued by Him.
For your own life, this word offers comfort. Whether you are facing physical illness or emotional weariness, the hope of kompsoteron is real. God sees your struggle and can bring about a return to peace and strength. Trust in His timing, knowing that He cares for every detail of your well-being.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- better1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κομψότερον1×
Key Verses
-
John 4:52
So he inquired of them the hour when he began to get better. They said therefore to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour, the fever left him.”
This is the only occurrence of the word, used by servants to confirm the precise hour their master's son began to recover from fever.