Brief Overview of ἀρχή (G746: archē)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: archē

Root Words:

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• ἀρχή (archē): Derived from the Greek verb ἀρχω (archō), meaning “to begin” or “to rule.”

Primary Meanings:

• Beginning: The starting point or origin of something.
• Rule or Authority: The position of being in charge or having control.
• Principle: A fundamental concept or doctrine.
• First Cause: The initial cause or source of an event or phenomenon.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἀρχή as:

• Beginning: The start or origin of something, often used to denote the inception of events or time.
• Rule or Authority: The power to govern or the authority exercised by a ruler or leader.
• Principle: A foundational concept or idea that governs behavior or belief.
• First Cause: The primary cause or origin of something.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon aligns with BDAG, noting that ἀρχή signifies the beginning or origin, rule or authority, and the principle behind events or concepts.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary describes ἀρχή as:

• Beginning: The point at which something starts.
• Authority: The power or control exercised by leaders.
• Principle: The fundamental truth or doctrine.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon supports the understanding of ἀρχή as:

• Beginning: The start or inception of something.
• Rule or Authority: The position of power or governance.
• Principle: A guiding concept or rule.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀρχή as “beginning,” “chief,” or “principle,” reflecting its use in both temporal and authoritative contexts.

Bible Verses:

• John 1:1 (KJV): “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
• Here, ἀρχή denotes the “beginning” of all things.
• Romans 8:38 (KJV): “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come.”
• ἀρχή is used to denote “principalities,” reflecting authority or rule.
• Ephesians 1:21 (KJV): “Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.”
• ἀρχή refers to “principality” or “authority.”

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

In classical Greek literature, ἀρχή is used with various connotations:

• Herodotus’ Histories: The term ἀρχή is employed to denote the beginning of events and rulers’ authority.
• Aristotle’s Politics: The term reflects the concept of political rule or governance, often relating to the start of political systems or authority.
• Plato’s Timaeus: Here, ἀρχή is used to discuss the principle or first cause behind the cosmos and existence.

4. Summary:

ἀρχή (G746: archē) primarily means “beginning,” “rule,” “authority,” or “principle.” It denotes the start of events or concepts, the power of leadership, and foundational doctrines. BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, and LSJ all provide consistent definitions reflecting these meanings. In classical Greek literature, ἀρχή is used to describe the origin of events, principles of governance, and fundamental causes.