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ἐξώτερος

exṓteros

G1857 restrictive adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Comparative form meaning 'more outside,' thus 'outer' or 'more external.' In New Testament usage, often denotes something situated farther from a center point, particularly relating to spatial arrangements such as rooms or courts. The core meaning is directed toward greater distance from an interior or point of reference.

Semantic Range

further outside, more external, outer (in comparison), pertaining to an area farther from the center or interior

Root / Etymology

Formed from the preposition ἔξω ('outside') with the comparative suffix -τερος, indicating a greater degree of being outside. Directly expresses the comparative sense of position relative to an inside or center.

Historical & Contextual Notes

The word ἐξώτερος is rare, appearing only a few times in the New Testament (e.g. Matthew 23:27, Acts 26:23), typically in spatial descriptions (e.g., 'outer' tombs, 'outer' courts). Its use is straightforwardly comparative, designed to distinguish between two or more concentric or nested areas (e.g., inner vs. outer court/room). In Hellenistic and Koine Greek generally, the term is primarily descriptive of physical placement rather than metaphorical or abstract concepts. English translations often render it as 'outer,' but this can sometimes obscure the explicit spatial relativity implied in the Greek form. Related forms include the adverb ἔξω ('outside') and the superlative ἐξώτατος ('outermost'), but ἐξώτερος specifically marks a comparative, not absolute, position.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

comparative of ἔξω; exterior:--outer.

Root Family

ἐξώτερος (exōteros) — outside, outer, more external

Root ἔξω- outside, outer

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G1857-01 ἐξώτερον exoteron ADJ.R ACC N SG COMP outer the more outer outer 3

Occurrences in Scripture

3 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G1857-01 Matthew 8:12 ἐξώτερον exoteron ADJ.R ACC N SG COMP outer the more outer outermost
G1857-01 Matthew 22:13 ἐξώτερον exoteron ADJ.R ACC N SG COMP outer the more outer outer
G1857-01 Matthew 25:30 ἐξώτερον exoteron ADJ.R ACC N SG COMP outer the more outer outer
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