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σπουδαιότερος

spoudaióteros

G4707 predicate adjective

SILEX Entry

Definition

Comparative form of 'eager' or 'zealous'; more eager, more diligent, more earnest. Used to describe someone who displays a greater degree of promptness, care, or zeal in action or attitude compared to another. May also imply swiftness, attentiveness, or seriousness, depending on context.

Semantic Range

more eager, more earnest, more diligent, more careful, more zealous, more serious, more prompt

Root / Etymology

Comparative form of σπουδαῖος (spoudaíos, 'eager, earnest, diligent'); built from the stem σπουδ- and the comparative suffix -ότερος.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Koine Greek, σπουδαιότερος functions as the comparative of σπουδαῖος, meaning 'more eager' or 'more diligent.' It is attested primarily in Hellenistic and later Greek, including the New Testament (e.g., 2 Corinthians 8:17, 2 Corinthians 8:22) where it describes individuals who display particular zeal or energy for a task. In the Septuagint and other contemporary literature, cognates emphasize earnestness and attentive care. English translations such as 'more diligent,' 'more earnest,' or 'more zealous' capture the thrust, but may underemphasize the nuance of readiness and intensity implied. Unlike the superlative σπουδαιότατος, σπουδαιότερος simply denotes a relative increase compared to another person or prior degree of diligence. This word is based in a cultural context that praised active, prompt participation in worthy endeavors (σπουδή).

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

comparative of σπουδαῖος; more prompt, more earnest:--more diligent (forward).

Root Family

σπουδαιότερος (spoudaióteros) — eager, earnest, diligent, zealous

Root σπουδ- to be eager, to be earnest, to be diligent

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G4707-01 σπουδαιότερος spoudaioteros ADJ.P NOM M SG very earnest more eager more eager 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G4707-01 2 Corinthians 8:17 σπουδαιότερος spoudaioteros ADJ.P NOM M SG very earnest more eager more eager
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