ἐσώτερος
esṓteros
G2082 attributive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
comparative form indicating 'more inside,' 'further towards the interior,' or 'inner'; used of spaces, parts, or aspects that are deeper within or more internal compared to others. By extension, used metaphorically for inner qualities, inward disposition, or the internal person as distinct from external aspects.
Semantic Range
further inside, more inward, inner part, interior space, inner aspect (figurative), inner person (metaphorical)
Root / Etymology
Formed as the comparative of ἔσω (inside, within), constructed from the adverb ἔσω + the comparative suffix -τερος. The root is ἔσω (inside, within).
Historical & Contextual Notes
ἐσώτερος is primarily a spatial comparative, found already in classical Greek, meaning the part or area further within or inward compared to something else. In Hellenistic and Koine Greek, including the New Testament (see e.g., Hebrews 9:3), it is used to describe locations (as in the inner part of a building or sanctuary), and by extension the 'inner' aspect of a person (such as the 'inner man'). While English Bible translations often render it as 'inner' or 'within,' the Greek emphasizes comparative interiority—deeper or further within. The term is less commonly used metaphorically in classical sources but attains greater metaphorical use in Jewish and Christian texts for distinguishing inward from outward realities (cf. τὸ ἔσωθεν, 'the inside,' with the abstract sense more frequent in philosophy and later religious writings). Translation as 'inner' is generally accurate but may understate the word's comparative sense ('more inward').
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
comparative of ἔσω; interior:--inner, within.
Root Family
ἐσώτερος (esōteros) — inside, within, inward, more inward, interior
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2082-01 |
ἐσωτέραν | esoteran | ADJ.A ACC F SG COMP |
inner | the more inward (feminine singular accusative) | 1 |
G2082-02 |
ἐσώτερον | esoteron | ADJ.S ACC N SG |
the more inward part | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2082-01 |
Acts 16:24 | ἐσωτέραν | esoteran | ADJ.A ACC F SG COMP |
inner | the more inward (feminine singular accusative) |
G2082-02 |
Hebrews 6:19 | ἐσώτερον | esoteron | ADJ.S ACC N SG |
the more inward part |