Understanding γηράσκω (gēraskō) Strong’s G1095: The Divine Wisdom in Aging and Life’s Seasons

Pronunciation Guide: gay-RAS-ko (with a soft ‘g’ as in “get”)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G1095: γηράσκω (gēraskō) refers to the natural process of growing old or aging. It describes the physical progression through life’s stages, capturing the gradual changes that come with advancing years. The word encompasses both the visible physical changes of aging and the maturation of character that often accompanies a life well-lived.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Root Word: γῆρας (gēras) – old age
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Narrative sections, particularly in contexts discussing life’s natural progression
• Verb Type: Inchoative verb (denoting the beginning or entering into a state)

γηράσκω Morphology:

• γηράσκω (present active indicative, 1st person singular) – I am growing old
• γηράσκεις (present active indicative, 2nd person singular) – you are growing old
• γηράσκει (present active indicative, 3rd person singular) – he/she/it is growing old
• γηράσκουσιν (present active indicative, 3rd person plural) – they are growing old
• γηράσκειν (present active infinitive) – to grow old
• γηράσας (aorist active participle, nominative masculine singular) – having grown old

Origin & History

The term γηράσκω derives from the Greek noun γῆρας (gēras), meaning “old age.” Its roots extend deep into classical Greek literature, where it appears in works by Homer, who used it to describe the natural aging process of warriors and heroes. In the Iliad, Homer employs forms of this word when describing elderly characters who had survived many battles but whose physical strength had diminished with age.

In the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures, γηράσκω appears in passages that honor the elderly, particularly in wisdom literature. For example, in Genesis 18:13, when discussing Abraham and Sarah’s advanced age, and in Genesis 27:1, describing Isaac’s aging. The term carries connotations of both the physical decline associated with aging and the accumulated wisdom that comes through a long life. Early church fathers, including Clement of Alexandria in his Stromata, used γηράσκω when discussing the dignity of elderly believers and the spiritual maturity that should accompany physical aging.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Natural Biological Aging – The primary meaning refers to the physical process of growing old, with the accompanying changes in appearance and physical capabilities.
• Maturation Through Experience – A secondary sense implies the wisdom, perspective, and maturity gained through a long life of experiences.
• Deterioration or Wearing Out – When applied to objects rather than people, it can refer to things becoming worn out, obsolete, or aged.
• Approaching the End of Life’s Journey – The term can specifically highlight the final stages of life’s progression.

γηράσκω Translation Options:

• “To grow old” – Most accurate for contexts focusing on the natural aging process; captures the progressive nature of aging (John 21:18)
• “To become aged” – Appropriate when emphasizing the completed state rather than the process
• “To mature” – Useful when the context emphasizes wisdom gained rather than physical decline
• “To wear out” – Best for metaphorical uses applied to objects rather than people (Hebrews 8:13)
• “To advance in years” – A more dignified rendering that acknowledges aging without emphasizing decline

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, γηράσκω appears only twice, but these occurrences are theologically significant. The first appearance is in John 21:18, where Yeshua (Jesus) prophesies to Peter about his future: “Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old [γηράσκω], you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go.” This profound statement connects aging with surrender and sacrifice, suggesting that spiritual maturity involves yielding control.

The second occurrence is in Hebrews 8:13, where the author uses the term metaphorically: “When He said, ‘A new covenant,’ He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete [παλαιούμενον] and growing old [γηράσκον] is ready to disappear.” Here, γηράσκω is applied not to a person but to the old covenant, illustrating how systems and institutions can also age and be replaced by divine design.

In the Septuagint, γηράσκω appears in several key passages that provide context for its New Testament usage:

• “When you grow old [γηράσκω], I am He, and even to your graying years I will bear you!” (Isaiah 46:4)
• “Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age [γηράσαντες]” (Genesis 18:11)
• “When Isaac was old [ἐγήρασεν] and his eyes were too dim to see” (Genesis 27:1)
• “I have been young and now am old [γεγήρακα]” (Psalm 37:25)
• “They will still yield fruit in old age [γήρει]” (Psalm 92:14)

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, aging was not viewed with the dread often associated with it in modern Western society. Rather, gray hair was considered a “crown of glory” (Proverbs 16:31) and a sign of wisdom. The Hebrew concept of זקן (zaqen), which means both “elder” and “old,” reveals that leadership roles were naturally assumed by those who had experienced life’s fullness. This cultural honor for the aged provides important context for understanding γηράσκω in biblical literature.

The ancient world lacked modern medicine’s ability to extend life, making advanced age relatively rare and thus more respected. Living to old age was seen as a blessing from יהוה (Yahweh) and evidence of divine favor. This cultural perspective shapes how we should understand Peter’s reaction to Yeshua’s prophecy in John 21:18—not as a dire warning about the indignities of aging, but as a solemn promise that Peter would indeed live to old age, though his death would ultimately come through martyrdom.

The Jewish tradition of honoring elders is encapsulated in the command to “rise in the presence of the aged” (Leviticus 19:32), showing how the process of γηράσκω was to be respected rather than feared or avoided. This stands in contrast to Hellenistic culture, which often glorified youth and physical beauty, creating a cultural tension that would have been felt by first-century readers of the New Testament.

Theological Significance

The biblical perspective on γηράσκω reveals profound theological truths about God’s design for human life. Unlike modern society’s often frantic attempts to avoid aging, Scripture presents it as a natural and potentially beautiful part of God’s plan. The process of growing old is viewed as an opportunity for spiritual refinement, where physical decline can be accompanied by spiritual ascent.

In Isaiah 46:4, יהוה (Yahweh) promises, “Even to your old age I will be the same, and even to your graying years I will bear you!” This reveals God’s faithfulness throughout all life stages and suggests that aging itself is encompassed within His care. There is theological significance in the fact that God doesn’t promise to prevent aging but rather to sustain us through it, suggesting that the process of γηράσκω is not a curse to be avoided but a journey to be embraced with divine companionship.

The use of γηράσκω in Hebrews 8:13 to describe the old covenant presents a theological paradox: that which grows old and passes away can make room for something better. This suggests that the divine economy sometimes works through cycles of aging and renewal, death and resurrection. Just as the old covenant gave way to the new, our aging bodies will one day give way to resurrection bodies—the process of γηράσκω ultimately serving God’s greater purposes of renewal.

Personal Application

Understanding γηράσκω challenges us to embrace each season of life as divinely appointed. Rather than fearing aging or frantically attempting to appear younger, believers can approach life’s progression with grace and purpose. The graying of hair, the slowing of steps, and the weathering of appearance can be received not as failures but as markers of a journey being faithfully traveled—each wrinkle a testimony to experiences that have shaped our character.

For those in seasons of strength and youth, meditating on γηράσκω invites preparation for what lies ahead. How are we stewarding our energies and opportunities now to build a foundation for godly aging later? For those already experiencing the realities of growing older, the biblical perspective offers dignity and purpose. Like Peter, whose aging would become part of his testimony, our later years can become platforms for unique ministry and witness that our younger years could not provide. The call is to neither deny nor resent the natural process of γηράσκω, but to infuse it with spiritual significance and faithful surrender to God’s timing.

Related Words

• γῆρας (gēras, pronounced “GAY-ras”) – old age, the noun from which γηράσκω derives; refers to the state of being elderly rather than the process of becoming so. While γηράσκω focuses on the journey of aging, γῆρας describes the destination. See G1094
• παλαιόω (palaioō, pronounced “pa-lai-OH-oh”) – to make old, declare obsolete; often used for inanimate objects rather than people. While γηράσκω typically describes natural aging, παλαιόω can indicate deliberate setting aside or rendering something outdated. See G3822
• πρεσβύτης (presbutēs, pronounced “pres-BOO-tace”) – an elderly man, particularly one worthy of respect or in a position of authority. This term emphasizes the status and honor that should accompany those who have experienced γηράσκω. See G4246
• πολιά (polia, pronounced “po-LEE-ah”) – gray hair, particularly as a sign of age and wisdom. This physical manifestation of γηράσκω was viewed as honorable in biblical culture. See G4165
• ἀκμάζω (akmazō, pronounced “ak-MAH-zo”) – to be in full bloom or at the prime of life; presents a contrast to γηράσκω by focusing on the peak of physical vitality rather than its decline. See G187

Did You Know?

• Did you know that in ancient Jewish culture, the greeting for an elderly person often included the phrase יאריך ימים (ya’arich yamim), meaning “may your days be lengthened”? This reflects the cultural perspective that γηράσκω was a blessing, not a curse. The modern Western obsession with youth and anti-aging would have seemed bizarre and misguided to biblical authors, who saw reaching old age as evidence of divine favor and an opportunity to share accumulated wisdom with younger generations.
• Did you know that the modern Greek word γηράσκω (still in use today) has spawned a scientific field? Gerontology—the study of aging and its effects—derives from this ancient Greek term. While contemporary science often approaches aging as a problem to be solved, the biblical perspective on γηράσκω offers a complementary spiritual dimension, suggesting that physical aging can accompany spiritual growth rather than merely representing decline.
• Did you know that in rabbinic tradition, the numerical value (gematria) of the Hebrew word זקן (zaqen, elder) is 157, which equals the combined value of the Hebrew words for “this one has acquired wisdom” (זה קנה חכמה)? This wordplay reflects the cultural understanding that aging (γηράσκω) naturally accompanied the acquisition of wisdom—a perspective that shaped how biblical writers used this term in both the Septuagint and the New Testament.

Remember This

The journey of γηράσκω (growing old) is not a descent into irrelevance but an ascent into the fullness of God’s purpose for our lives—where physical strength may diminish but spiritual impact can reach its greatest potential.