κομψότερον
kompsóteron
G2866 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
More elegant, more refined, or in better condition (comparative of 'κομψός'); in context, especially referring to restoration of health — 'recovering' or 'improving' (from illness). Used both literally (physically recovering, regaining well-being) and figuratively (moving from a worse to a better state).
Semantic Range
more elegant, more refined, better in condition, recovering (from illness), improving, in better health
Root / Etymology
Comparative (neuter) form of κομψός, derived from the base κομπ-; κομψός originally relates to elegance, refinement, or good condition. The formation 'κομψότερον' emphasizes greater degree, i.e., 'more elegant' or 'better (in condition)'.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, κομψός carries the meaning of 'elegant,' 'refined,' or 'well-mannered.' By the Hellenistic and Koine period, especially in medical or everyday contexts, the term broadens to denote improvement in health or condition. In John 4:52, κομψότερον refers to the physical recovery of a sick person ('the boy began to recover'). English translations (e.g. 'began to amend,' 'getting better') reflect this specific contextual use, though the core meaning relates to refinement or being in a better state. The word is infrequent in the New Testament and does not retain the aesthetic or social sense in this context, focusing instead on improved physical state. In extra-biblical Koine usage, both aesthetic (elegant, refined) and physical (healthy, in good condition) senses are attested, but the latter becomes prominent in medical or wellness contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
neuter comparative of a derivative of the base of 2865 (meaning, properly, well dressed, i.e. nice); figuratively, convalescent:--+ began to amend.
Root Family
κομπ- (kompsóteron) — to be elegant, refined, in good state or condition
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2866-01 |
κομψότερον | kompsoteron | ADV COMP |
he began to get better | in better condition | he began to get better | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2866-01 |
John 4:52 | κομψότερον | kompsoteron | ADV COMP |
he began to get better | in better condition | he began to get better |