Brief Overview of ἄρχομαι (G756: archomai)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: Archomai

Root Words:

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• ἄρχω (archō): To begin or to rule, with meanings including to start or to have authority.

Primary Meanings:

• To Begin: ἄρχομαι is primarily used to indicate the commencement or start of an action or process.
• To Undertake: It can also mean to undertake or embark upon something.
• To Commence: The term implies initiating or setting something in motion.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἄρχομαι as:

• To Begin: To start something, particularly referring to the beginning of an action or process.
• To Undertake: To take on or commence a task or responsibility.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon defines ἄρχομαι as:

• To Begin: To start an action or process. This usage underscores the initiation of events or activities.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary notes:

• To Commence: The term highlights the initiation or commencement of an action or process.

LSJ: LSJ gives a similar definition:

• To Begin: Refers to the start of an action or undertaking.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s identifies ἄρχομαι as:

• To Begin: Indicates the action of starting or initiating something.

Bible Verses:

• Matthew 4:17 (KJV): “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
• Here, ἄρχομαι is used to signify the commencement of Jesus’ public ministry.
• Luke 4:14 (KJV): “And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about.”
• This verse shows the beginning of Jesus’ ministry in Galilee, using the term ἄρχομαι in context.
• John 2:13 (KJV): “And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.”
• The use of ἄρχομαι in this context refers to the beginning of events related to Jesus’ activities in Jerusalem.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Plato’s Republic: Uses the term to describe the commencement of philosophical discussions and educational processes.
• Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics: Employs ἄρχομαι to discuss the beginning of ethical actions and decisions.
• Xenophon’s Anabasis: The term is used to describe the start of the journey or the beginning of significant actions within the narrative.

4. Summary:

ἄρχομαι (G756: archomai) primarily means “to begin” or “to commence.” It indicates the start of actions or processes, and is used to describe the initiation of tasks, events, or responsibilities. BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, and Strong’s all support this interpretation, with various Bible verses providing practical examples of its usage. Classic Greek literature further illustrates its application in starting discussions, actions, or journeys.