☀️
← Back to Lexicon
G2087 · Greek · New Testament
ἕτερος
Heteros
Adjective/Pronoun
Another / Different / Other

Definition

The Greek word heteros means another of a different kind, the other of two, or something qualitatively different. It is often distinguished from allos (G243, another of the same kind), though this distinction is not always maintained in later Koine Greek. Paul uses heteros powerfully in Galatians 1 when he warns against accepting 'another gospel' — one that is qualitatively different from the true gospel.

Usage & Theological Significance

The theological weight of heteros in Paul's warning about 'a different gospel' (Galatians 1:6-7) cannot be overstated. Paul does not say there is 'another gospel' — there is no other gospel at all. Any message that differs from the true gospel of grace is not an alternative gospel but a distortion. This word thus serves as a safeguard for the exclusivity and sufficiency of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Heteros also appears in Paul's discussion of spiritual gifts (1 Cor 12), emphasizing the diversity of gifts given by the same Spirit to the body of Christ. In eschatology, Paul promises that believers will have 'different' (transformed) bodies at the resurrection (1 Cor 15:40).

Key Bible Verses

Galatians 1:6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel.
Luke 9:29 As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.
1 Corinthians 12:9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit
Acts 2:4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
Romans 7:23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind.

Related Words