"worse, Mt. 9:16; more severe, Jn. 5:14; Heb. 10:29"
Definition and meaning
worse, Mt. 9:16; more severe, Jn. 5:14; Heb. 10:29
In the original Greek the word is written: χείρων
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of cheiron (G5501) across the King James Bible.
No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.
Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.
Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.
No man also seweth a piece of new cloth on an old garment: else the new piece that filled it up taketh away from the old, and the rent is made worse.
Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first.
Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?
For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
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Common questions
Strong's G5501 (cheiron) is a Greek word that means: worse, Mt. 9:16; more severe, Jn. 5:14; Heb. 10:29 It appears 9 times in the King James Bible.
The word cheiron (G5501) appears 9 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G5501 is cheiron, a Greek word defined as: worse, Mt. 9:16; more severe, Jn. 5:14; Heb. 10:29. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
cheiron is a Greek word found in the New Testament.