Pronunciation Guide: ah-EE-dee-os

Basic Definition

Strong’s G126: ἀΐδιος (aïdios) describes that which is everlasting, eternal, and without beginning or end. It specifically refers to perpetual existence that transcends time itself. This powerful term emphasizes the infinite and unchangeable nature of its subject, particularly when describing divine attributes.

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Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adjective
• Origin: Derived from ἀεί (aei, “always, ever”)
• Primary Usage: Philosophical and theological contexts
• Appears in both narrative and doctrinal passages
• Used in descriptions of divine attributes

ἀΐδιος Morphology:

• ἀΐδιος (nominative singular masculine/feminine) – eternal
• ἀΐδιον (accusative singular masculine/feminine) – eternal
• ἀΐδια (nominative/accusative plural neuter) – eternal things

Origin & History

The term ἀΐδιος has deep roots in classical Greek philosophy, where it was used to describe the eternal nature of ultimate reality. Plato employed it in his “Timaeus” when discussing the eternal forms, distinguishing between that which always is and never becomes from that which is always becoming but never truly is.

In Aristotle’s “Metaphysics,” ἀΐδιος plays a crucial role in his discussion of the unmoved mover and the eternal nature of the cosmos. The word carried significant philosophical weight in discussions about the nature of ultimate reality and divine existence.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• That which has neither beginning nor end
• Perpetual, everlasting existence
• Timeless, transcendent reality

ἀΐδιος Translation Options:

• “Eternal” – Emphasizes the timeless quality
• “Everlasting” – Stresses continuous existence
• “Perpetual” – Highlights unending nature
• “Timeless” – Underscores transcendence of temporal limitations

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀΐδιος appears only twice but in profoundly significant contexts. Its first appearance in Romans 1:20 connects God’s eternal power with His divine nature as revealed through creation. The second usage in Jude 1:6 describes the everlasting chains reserved for fallen angels.

The Septuagint employs ἀΐδιος in Wisdom 7:26 to describe divine wisdom’s eternal nature, showing its importance in Jewish theological thought.

Biblical Cross References:

• “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal [ἀΐδιος] power and divine nature, have been clearly seen” Romans 1:20
• “And angels who did not keep their own domain… He has kept in eternal [ἀΐδιος] bonds” Jude 1:6

Cultural Insights

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of ἀΐδιος was closely tied to philosophical discussions about the nature of deity and ultimate reality. While pagan philosophers used it to describe the eternal nature of the cosmos or their gods, biblical writers specifically applied it to the one true God’s attributes and power.

The term carried significant weight in both Jewish and Hellenistic thought, serving as a bridge concept that helped early Christians communicate the eternal nature of God to both Jewish and Greek audiences.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀΐδιος in Romans 1:20 is particularly significant as it establishes that God’s eternal power is universally witnessed through creation itself. This reveals that the evidence of God’s eternal nature is not hidden but clearly displayed in the created order, leaving humanity without excuse for failing to recognize Him.

The term’s application to divine attributes emphasizes the absolute transcendence of God over time itself. Unlike the Greek philosophical concept of eternal matter, biblical usage of ἀΐδιος points to a personal, eternal God who exists independent of and prior to creation.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀΐδιος should inspire profound awe as we contemplate God’s eternal nature. When we look at creation – from vast galaxies to microscopic cells – we’re seeing displays of His eternal power that have been testifying to His existence since the world began.

This realization should transform our daily walk with God, helping us trust in His unchanging nature and eternal promises even amid life’s temporal challenges.

Related Words

• αἰώνιος (aionios) – age-lasting, eternal: Similar but more frequently used term for eternal, particularly regarding eternal life See G166
• ἀθάνατος (athanatos) – immortal: Describes deathlessness, complementing the eternal nature concept See G110
• ἄφθαρτος (aphthartos) – incorruptible: Emphasizes imperishable nature of eternal things See G862
• ἀκατάλυτος (akatalutos) – indissoluble: Describes unbreakable, enduring nature See G179

Did you Know?

• Ancient Greek philosophers debated whether ἀΐδιος could apply to matter itself or only to divine reality, a debate that influenced early Christian theological discussions about creation ex nihilo.
• The word ἀΐδιος appears in ancient Greek astronomical texts describing the “eternal” movements of celestial bodies, which early Christian apologists used as an analogy for God’s unchanging nature.
• Modern Greek still uses ἀΐδιος in formal contexts to describe eternal concepts, particularly in philosophical and theological discourse.

Remember This

ἀΐδιος reveals that God’s eternal power isn’t just an abstract concept—it’s a living reality witnessed in every aspect of His creation, calling us to worship and trust in His timeless sovereignty.