G3801

Unveiling the Word

The phrase ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος (ho ōn kai ho ēn kai ho erchomenos) translates to “the one who is, the one who was, and the one who is to come.” This designation is significant in biblical literature, especially in the context of Revelation, where it emphasizes the eternal nature of God and His divine attributes. It encapsulates the concepts of existence (ὢν), past (ἦν), and future (ἐρχόμενος), representing God’s omnipresence, omniscience, and omnipotence. This phrase serves as a profound affirmation of faith, acknowledging God’s unchanging nature amid the changing world.

Necessary Information

Greek Word: ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος (ho ōn kai ho ēn kai ho erchomenos), pronounced [ho ON kai ho AYN kai ho er-KHO-meh-nos].

Etymology:

• ὢν (ōn): Present participle of the verb εἰμί (eimi), meaning “to be” or “to exist.”

• ἦν (ēn): Imperfect tense of εἰμί (eimi), meaning “was.”

• ἐρχόμενος (erchomenos): Present participle of the verb ἔρχομαι (erchomai), meaning “to come” or “to arrive.”

Part of Speech: This phrase functions as a noun in a declarative statement, specifically describing the divine being.

Defining Meanings

Existence: The term emphasizes the continuous and eternal existence of God. “The one who is” suggests a present reality that is ongoing.

Past Presence: “The one who was” indicates God’s eternal nature, underscoring His existence before time and His involvement in history.

Future Promise: “The one who is to come” reflects the hope of future divine intervention and fulfillment of promises, resonating with eschatological themes.

Exploring Similar Words

ὁ ἔσχατος (ho eschatos) [ho ES-kha-tos]: This term means “the last” or “final,” often referring to the end times. While both terms highlight a future aspect, ὁ ἔσχατος focuses more on the culmination of events rather than God’s eternal nature.

ἡ ἀλήθεια (hē alētheia) [hē ah-LAY-thia]: Meaning “the truth,” this word emphasizes the certainty of God’s nature and promises, complementing the idea of God’s eternal presence.

ὁ παντοκράτωρ (ho pantokrator) [ho pan-to-KRA-tor]: Translated as “the Almighty,” this title conveys God’s sovereign power, overlapping with the attributes described in ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Nouns:

• Case, Number, Gender: The phrase appears in the nominative case, singular number, and masculine gender, as it refers to the singular divine entity.

• Declension: The terms are declined based on their grammatical roles in the phrase.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The phrase ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος is prevalent in Revelation 1:8, where it asserts God’s eternal nature and sovereignty. Various lexicons highlight its theological significance, reflecting on God’s transcendence over time and history. In a New Testament context, it serves as a declaration of God’s unchanging character amid human uncertainties. This phrase is crucial for understanding Christian eschatology and the assurance of God’s continuous presence.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

Revelation 1:8: “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.”

Revelation 4:8: “And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.”

Hebrews 13:8: “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Example 1: Plato, Timaeus: “In speaking of the eternal forms, he mentions the one who is [ὢν] as the foundation of all being.”

Example 2: Aristotle, Metaphysics: “The essence of being [ὢν] is the first principle, existing beyond time.”

Example 3: Heraclitus, Fragments: “One cannot step into the same river twice, for it is not the same river and he is not the same man, reflecting the continuous nature of existence.”

Septuagint Example 1: Isaiah 44:6: “Thus saith the Lord the King of Israel, and his redeemer the Lord of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.”

Septuagint Example 2: Psalms 90:2: “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.”

Septuagint Example 3: Daniel 7:9: “I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool.”

Noteworthy Summary

The phrase ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος serves as a profound theological affirmation of God’s eternal and unchanging nature, encompassing His existence in the present, past, and future. It encapsulates key themes in Christian theology, particularly in discussions of God’s sovereignty and His relationship with time.

Did You Know?

1. The phrase underscores God’s omnipresence, suggesting that He is equally involved in every moment of time.

2. In Revelation, this designation reassures believers of God’s eternal promises amid trials and tribulations.

3. The phrase is often linked to worship practices, emphasizing reverence for God’s timeless nature.

Strong’s G3801: ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν καὶ ὁ ἐρχόμενος (ho ōn kai ho ēn kai ho erchomenos) signifies God’s eternal existence and sovereignty, reflecting the deep theological significance of His unchanging nature in scripture.