Brief Overview of ἑκατονταέτης (Strong’s G1541: hekatontaetēs)

Introduction

In the study of biblical Greek, understanding the nuances of specific words can profoundly impact our interpretation of scripture. The word ἑκατονταέτης (hekatontaetēs), which translates to “a hundred years old” or “centenarian,” is a term that appears sparingly in the New Testament. However, its use carries significant implications, particularly in understanding the cultural and symbolic meanings associated with age in ancient Greek society. This term is not only relevant for interpreting the New Testament but also provides insights into how age and longevity were perceived in ancient times, reflecting a reverence for those who reached such an advanced age.

Key Information

• Greek Word: ἑκατονταέτης (hekatontaetēs) [heh-kah-ton-TAH-eh-tace]
• Etymology: The word ἑκατονταέτης is a compound formed from ἑκατόν (hekaton), meaning “hundred,” and the suffix -αετης (-aetēs), which relates to age or years.
• Part of Speech: Adjective (masculine, first/second declension)
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon

Primary Meanings

• Centenarian: An individual who is one hundred years old.
• Describing age: Used to denote the age of a person who has reached one hundred years.

Similar Words:

• πρεσβύτης (presbytēs): Meaning “old man” or “elder,” this word is used to describe someone of advanced age, though not necessarily a centenarian. It emphasizes respect for age but is less specific than ἑκατονταέτης.
• γέρων (gerōn): Another term for an elderly person, typically emphasizing the wisdom and experience that comes with old age, rather than focusing on the exact number of years.

Further Insights:

• Morphology:
• The word ἑκατονταέτης is an adjective and follows the first/second declension pattern in Greek, modifying a noun in the masculine gender. Its form changes slightly depending on the case, number, and gender of the noun it modifies, which is typical of Greek adjectives. The word is relatively straightforward in its formation, combining the numeral ἑκατόν with the suffix -αετης to specifically describe someone who is one hundred years old.

Lexicon Insights

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BDAG:
BDAG identifies ἑκατονταέτης as a term denoting someone who is one hundred years old, highlighting its specific use in contexts that emphasize age as an important characteristic.

Thayer’s:
Thayer’s lexicon provides a brief overview of the term, noting its limited but significant usage in the New Testament. It connects the term to discussions about age and wisdom, often seen as characteristics of a person of such advanced age.

Vine’s:
Vine’s Expository Dictionary elaborates on the cultural context of the word, explaining how reaching one hundred years of age was seen as a mark of divine favor and blessing in ancient Greek culture, often associated with wisdom and experience.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones):
LSJ notes that while ἑκατονταέτης is not a common term in classical literature, it is understood universally to describe a centenarian, someone revered for their longevity and the knowledge they would possess.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance:
Strong’s Concordance lists ἑκατονταέτης as an adjective used to describe someone who has reached one hundred years of age, noting its use in genealogical or historical contexts within the biblical text.

Scripture References:

• Romans 4:19: “And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about a hundred (ἑκατονταέτης) years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἑκατονταέτης (G1541: hekatontaetēs)

The Greek adjective ἑκατονταέτης (hekatontaetēs) is a specialized term used to describe someone who is one hundred years old. It appears sparingly in the New Testament but carries significant weight in its cultural and symbolic implications. Reaching one hundred years of age was not only a marker of longevity but also of divine blessing, wisdom, and reverence in ancient Greek society. Understanding this term helps to appreciate the biblical texts where age and experience are highlighted as virtues, often in the context of faith and perseverance.

Did You Know?

In ancient Greek culture, living to the age of one hundred was considered an extraordinary achievement, often seen as a sign of divine favor. People who reached this milestone were revered not just for their longevity but also for the wisdom and experience they were believed to have accumulated over a century of life.