κρεῖσσον
kreîsson
G2908
SILEX Entry
Definition
Comparative form meaning 'better' — superior in quality, advantage, or moral value. Often used as an adjective or substantively (as a noun) to designate what is preferable, more advantageous, or of higher worth or utility. In specific contexts, may refer to superiority in moral, ethical, social, or ritual matters.
Semantic Range
better (in quality, preference, or advantage), more useful, more honorable, superior (morally, socially, ritually), preferable, greater advantage
Root / Etymology
Comparative neuter form of κρείττων (better), formed from the root κρᾱ́-; κρεῖσσον is an irregular comparative, parallel to but distinct in form from κρείττων, likely influenced by dialectal variation. Related to the root of κρατέω ('to be strong, to rule').
Historical & Contextual Notes
κρεῖσσον appears in Hellenistic and Koine Greek, especially in moral, philosophical, and rhetorical discourse to mark preference or superiority of one option over another. In the Septuagint and the New Testament, it often serves to contrast ritual, ethical, or Christological superiority ('a better sacrifice', 'a better covenant', etc.), where standard English translations typically render it 'better'. However, in Greek, κρεῖσσον signals a broader range of values than purely quantitative 'betterness'—it may encompass qualitative, ethical, or positional superiority. The form is substantivized (used as a noun for 'the better thing/way'), especially in the New Testament epistle to the Hebrews. Usage partially overlaps with ἀμείνων, which emphasizes 'better' as more effective or able, while κρεῖσσον emphasizes superiority or preference.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
neuter of an alternate form of κρείττων; (as noun) better, i.e. greater advantage:--better.
Root Family
κρῑσ- (kreîsson) — to judge, to distinguish, to prefer, to be strong
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.