Introduction
Understanding Greek words is crucial for Biblical studies because it provides insight into the text’s original meaning, cultural context, and nuances. The Greek word ἡλικία (hēlikía) is particularly significant as it relates to concepts of age, maturity, and stature. This word appears in several New Testament passages, adding depth to the interpretation of spiritual growth, physical development, and social roles within ancient Greek culture and early Christian teachings.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἡλικία (hēlikía), pronounced [hay-lee-KEE-ah].
- Etymology: Derived from the root ἥλιος (hēlios) meaning “sun” or “maturity,” indicating the concept of age or full development.
- Part of Speech: Noun (feminine); primarily used in reference to age, life stage, or physical stature.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Age or Maturity: Refers to the span of a person’s life or the stage of life, often associated with maturity or ripeness.
- Stature: Indicates the physical height or size of a person.
- Growth or Development: Used metaphorically in relation to spiritual or intellectual maturity.
Similar Words: ἔτος (étos), pronounced [EH-tos], which means “year” and is often used to describe a specific age or time period. While ἡλικία (hēlikía) focuses more on the concept of life stage or maturity, ἔτος (étos) is more concerned with the quantitative measure of time.
Further Insights: ἡλικία (hēlikía) is a first-declension feminine noun. It is commonly used in both literal and metaphorical contexts within Greek literature and the New Testament. Below is a table showing its full declension:
| Case / Number | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | ἡλικία | ἡλικίαι |
| Genitive | ἡλικίας | ἡλικιῶν |
| Dative | ἡλικίᾳ | ἡλικίαις |
| Accusative | ἡλικίαν | ἡλικίας |
| Vocative | ἡλικία | ἡλικίαι |
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG: The BDAG lexicon defines ἡλικία (hēlikía) as age, life stage, or period of life, and it can refer to an age group or maturity level. It is also used in contexts to describe physical stature or development.
Thayers: Thayer’s Lexicon provides a detailed entry on ἡλικία (hēlikía), emphasizing its dual meanings of “age” and “stature.” It notes that the word can be used both literally to describe physical height and figuratively to discuss spiritual or intellectual maturity.
Vines: Vines Expository Dictionary highlights ἡλικία (hēlikía) in the context of its New Testament appearances, particularly where it is used to discuss growth in wisdom or the process of maturing spiritually.
LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon describes ἡλικία (hēlikía) as relating to “age” or “prime of life.” It indicates its use in broader Greek literature for discussing the stages of life and maturity.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s Concordance defines ἡλικία (hēlikía) as “maturity, stature, age,” derived from the idea of reaching a full-grown state, whether physically or metaphorically.
Related Scripture References
- Luke 2:52: “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature (ἡλικίᾳ) and in favor with God and man.”
- Ephesians 4:13: “Until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature (εἰς ἡλικίαν), attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”
- Matthew 6:27: “Which of you by being anxious can add a single cubit to his stature (ἡλικίαν)?”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | Republic | “The guardians are to be chosen from among those who have reached the appropriate age (ἡλικία) for such a task.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “In his prime (ἡλικία) he was the tallest man in all the land.” |
| Septuagint | Genesis 47:9 | “The days of the years of my life (ἡλικία) are a hundred and thirty years; few and evil have been the days of the years of my life.” |
Summary of ἡλικία (G2244: hēlikía)
The Greek word ἡλικία (hēlikía) encompasses concepts of age, maturity, stature, and growth. It appears in various contexts in the New Testament to describe both physical and spiritual development. Understanding its usage helps clarify the nuances of Biblical texts that deal with growth, maturity, and the stages of life, both physically and spiritually. In classical Greek literature, ἡλικία (hēlikía) also denotes the prime of life or an appropriate age for certain roles or actions, demonstrating its versatility and relevance across different contexts.
Did You Know?
- ἡλικία (hēlikía) is not only used to describe physical stature but also spiritual maturity, emphasizing the holistic development of a person in Biblical teachings.
- In some ancient cultures, the concept of ἡλικία (hēlikía) was closely tied to one’s ability to participate in civic duties or military service.
- The word is used metaphorically in the New Testament to encourage believers to grow and mature in their faith, reflecting a transition from spiritual infancy to adulthood.
This comprehensive overview of ἡλικία (hēlikía) provides a deeper understanding of its use in Biblical and classical contexts, offering a window into the multifaceted nature of growth and maturity as envisioned in ancient Greek culture and early Christian thought.
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