Cheiron marks a comparative worsening: a condition, result, or consequence becomes more adverse than another.

The term most often marks a later condition or outcome as more adverse than an earlier or alternative one, including tears, personal states, and what may happen afterward. It also compares the seriousness of people, conduct, punishment, or deception.

1. A more adverse condition or outcome · dominant

   Neuter comparative forms describe a result or state that has deteriorated in comparison with another: in Mark 2:21 and Matthew 9:16 the APB renders a resulting tear as “worse,” while in John 5:14 it renders the warning that “something worse” may happen. In Luke 11:26, Matthew 12:45, and 2 Peter 2:20, the final state is presented as more adverse than the first.

   Mark 2:21Matthew 9:16John 5:14Luke 11:26Matthew 12:452 Peter 2:20
2. Greater severity in comparison · common

   The comparative is applied to evaluations and consequences rather than only to a resulting state. In 1 Timothy 5:8 the APB compares the person who fails to provide with an unbeliever; in Hebrews 10:29 it asks about a more severe punishment, and in Matthew 27:64 it anticipates a later deception more serious than the first. In 2 Timothy 3:13 the APB renders the advance of evil people and impostors as going “to the worse.”

   1 Timothy 5:8Hebrews 10:29Matthew 27:642 Timothy 3:13

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB commonly presents the comparison with “worse,” including a “worse tear,” a “worse punishment,” and a final state “worse than the first.” It also varies the phrasing with “advance to the worse”; these are verse-level renderings rather than definitions.