Brief Overview of αἰώνιος (G166)

The Greek word αἰώνιος (aiónios) means “eternal,” “everlasting,” or “age-long.” It is derived from αἰών (aión), meaning “age” or “epoch,” and is used to describe something that has no end or is perpetual. This term is often used to indicate timelessness or duration that extends beyond the normal limits of time, including concepts such as eternal life or everlasting punishment.

Detailed Overview

1. Strong’s Concordance:

• G166 αἰώνιος (aiónios): Strong’s defines this term as “eternal,” “everlasting,” or “age-long.” It describes something that lasts for an indefinite period or forever. It can refer to both positive concepts (such as eternal life or enduring blessings) and negative ones (such as everlasting punishment or destruction). For example, in John 3:16, it denotes “eternal life” (τὴν ζωὴν τὴν αἰώνιον), indicating a life that lasts forever.

1. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• According to Thayer’s, αἰώνιος means “eternal,” “everlasting,” or “age-long.” Thayer’s explains that this term is used to describe something that is not subject to time or is everlasting. It conveys the idea of something that endures forever, beyond the normal span of human life or the temporal limits of an age. The lexicon highlights that αἰώνιος can apply to both positive concepts (such as eternal life and divine attributes) and negative aspects (such as eternal punishment).

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

• BDB does not specifically cover αἰώνιος. However, based on related lexical studies and the definitions in Strong’s and Thayer’s, the term can be understood as meaning “eternal,” “everlasting,” or “age-long.” It indicates a duration that extends indefinitely, often used in theological contexts to describe things that transcend the ordinary bounds of time.

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

• The LSJ Lexicon defines αἰώνιος as “eternal,” “everlasting,” or “age-long.” It describes the term’s use to denote something that is not limited by time or that continues indefinitely. The lexicon notes its application in contexts referring to eternal states or qualities, including both the positive aspects of eternal life and the negative aspects of eternal punishment.

In summary, αἰώνιος refers to concepts of eternity or perpetual duration, encompassing both the positive notion of everlasting life and the negative notion of eternal punishment. The term denotes something that transcends temporal limits and endures forever.