ἀνεκτότερος
anektóteros
G414 predicate adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Comparative form meaning 'more endurable,' i.e., more bearable or tolerable. Used to express that something is easier to withstand, endure, or accept in comparison to another alternative or circumstance. Semantic range includes physical, psychological, or social tolerability and acceptability in relative terms.
Semantic Range
more endurable, more tolerable, easier to bear, more acceptable in the face of hardship or consequence
Root / Etymology
Derived from the adjective ἀνεκτός ('tolerable, endurable'), itself from the verb ἀνέχομαι ('to bear, endure, put up with'). Formed with the comparative suffix -τερος, indicating 'more' or 'rather.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term ἀνεκτότερος is rare in extant Greek literature, with its attestation confined to a handful of instances in Koine, notably in the Synoptic Gospels (e.g., Matthew 10:15, 11:22, 24; Luke 10:12, 14). In these contexts, Jesus employs it formulaically: 'it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah...on the day of judgment,' contrasting the relative degree of severity or leniency in future judgment or consequence. The word reflects the Greek rhetorical technique of comparative evaluation. Outside biblical texts, the adjective ἀνεκτός appears variously for things 'bearable' or 'possible to be endured.' The English gloss 'more tolerable' appears in most translations; however, 'more endurable' more accurately preserves the sense of what can be borne. No theological content is inherent in the word itself; it is evaluative and comparative, not prescriptive. The root ἀνέχομαι ('endure, bear') is attested from classical Greek onward and is commonly used both literally (to carry, endure physically) and metaphorically (bear with, tolerate persons or situations).
Translation Consistency
The comparative adjective means ‘more endurable’/‘easier to bear.’ Using the adjective ‘bearable’ gives natural, idiomatic English (e.g. ‘more bearable’) and covers physical, psychological, and social tolerability in ordinary phrasing.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
comparative of a derivative of ἀνέχομαι; more endurable:--more tolerable.
Root Family
ἀνεκτότερος (anektoteros) — to bear, endure, tolerate; endurable, tolerable (comparative)
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G414-01 |
ἀνεκτότερον | anektoteron | ADJ.P NOM N SG |
more tolerable | more endurable | more bearable | 5 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G414-01 |
Matthew 10:15 | ἀνεκτότερον | anektoteron | ADJ.P NOM N SG |
more tolerable | more endurable | more bearable |
G414-01 |
Matthew 11:22 | ἀνεκτότερον | anektoteron | ADJ.P NOM N SG |
more tolerable | more endurable | more bearable |
G414-01 |
Matthew 11:24 | ἀνεκτότερον | anektoteron | ADJ.P NOM N SG |
more tolerable | more endurable | more bearable |
G414-01 |
Luke 10:12 | ἀνεκτότερον | anektoteron | ADJ.P NOM N SG |
more tolerable | more endurable | more bearable |
G414-01 |
Luke 10:14 | ἀνεκτότερον | anektoteron | ADJ.P NOM N SG |
more tolerable | more endurable | more bearable |