Brief Overview of αἰών (G165)

The Greek word αἰών (aión) means “age,” “era,” or “world.” It refers to a long period of time, often with a specific context, such as a historical epoch or a cosmic age. The term can denote a defined period in history, the duration of the world or the universe, or a general period of time. It is used to describe both temporal and eternal contexts, encompassing various meanings depending on its usage in different passages.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• G165 αἰών (aión): Strong’s defines this term as “age,” “era,” or “world.” It is used to indicate a long period of time, such as an epoch or a specific age. In some contexts, it refers to the world or universe as a whole, while in others, it can denote an indefinite or eternal period. For instance, it is used in passages like Matthew 28:20 (“to the end of the age”) to describe the duration of time until the end of a specific era.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• According to Thayer’s, αἰών means “age,” “eternity,” or “world.” Thayer’s explains that this term covers various meanings, including a particular period or epoch, the world in its entirety, or an eternal period. It can refer to a specific age or era within history (e.g., the current age versus the age to come) or to a timeless, eternal state (e.g., eternal life or eternal punishment). Thayer’s highlights the flexibility of the term in denoting both temporal and eternal contexts.

1. Brown-Driver-Briggs (BDB) Lexicon:

• BDB does not specifically cover αἰών in the same detail as Strong’s and Thayer’s. However, based on related lexical studies, the term can be understood as referring to an “age,” “eternity,” or “world,” indicating a significant period of time. It encompasses various durations, from historical epochs to infinite durations.

1. Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon:

• The LSJ Lexicon defines αἰών as “age,” “eternity,” or “world.” It describes the term’s use to indicate a long period of time, such as a specific era or age, or a more abstract concept of time, such as eternity. The lexicon highlights the term’s application in contexts that span from finite periods in history to infinite or eternal states.

In summary, αἰών refers to a period of time, whether a specific age, era, or the broader concept of eternity. Its meanings range from historical epochs and the cosmos to timeless states, depending on its usage in various biblical and classical contexts.