G3822

Unveiling the Word

The Greek word παλαιόω (palaiōō) primarily means “to make old” or “to wear out,” and it often conveys the idea of something becoming outdated or no longer in use. This term is significant in biblical contexts, especially as it reflects the transition from old practices to new revelations. For instance, in Luke 12:33, where Jesus encourages the gathering of treasures in heaven rather than on earth, the idea of making old ties into the concept of spiritual renewal and the impermanence of earthly possessions. The word encapsulates a transformative process, making it pivotal in discussions about faith, tradition, and change.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: παλαιόω, pronounced [palaiōō].

Etymology: The root of παλαιόω is παλαιός (palaios), meaning “old” or “ancient.” The verb suffix “-ω” (-ō) indicates an action, thus creating a verb that denotes the process of making something old.

Part of Speech: παλαιόω is a verb and is primarily used in the active voice. It can be conjugated to reflect different tenses and aspects in Greek grammar.

Defining Meanings

Meaning 1: “To make old” – The primary meaning refers to the act of aging something or rendering it outdated, often used metaphorically in a spiritual or moral sense.

Meaning 2: “To wear out” – This meaning suggests a process of deterioration over time, applicable to objects or practices that lose their effectiveness or relevance.

Meaning 3: “To be antiquated” – In a broader sense, this reflects the state of being considered obsolete, particularly in a cultural or spiritual context.

Exploring Similar Words

παλαιότης (palaiotēs) [pah-lai-oh-tēs]: This noun means “old age” or “antiquity,” focusing more on the state of being old rather than the action of making something old.

ἀνακαινόω (anakenóō) [ah-nah-kay-noh-oh]: This verb means “to renew” or “to restore.” It contrasts with παλαιόω as it emphasizes rejuvenation rather than the process of aging.

καινός (kainós) [kai-nos]: An adjective meaning “new,” it is often used in opposition to παλαιός, highlighting the dichotomy between old and new.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Tense, Voice, Mood: παλαιόω is a verb that can appear in various tenses (present, aorist, perfect, etc.), typically in the active voice and indicative mood.

Person and Number: The verb conjugates for different persons:

• 1st person singular: παλαιῶ (I make old)

• 2nd person singular: παλαιεῖς (you make old)

• 3rd person singular: παλαιεῖ (he/she/it makes old)

• Plural forms follow similar conjugation patterns.

Aspect: The aspect may vary; for instance, the present tense indicates ongoing action (making something old continuously), while the aorist tense refers to a completed action (having made something old).

Studying Lexicon Insights

In Greek lexicons, παλαιόω is explored in various contexts, particularly regarding its theological implications. In the New Testament, the term is often juxtaposed with concepts of renewal, especially in relation to the old covenant and the new covenant introduced through Christ. The use of the term underscores the transformational nature of faith, highlighting the contrast between the old ways and the new life offered through the Spirit. This notion is significant for understanding the dynamics of early Christian teaching and its emphasis on change and renewal.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

Luke 12:33: “Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out [παλαιόω], a treasure in heaven that will never fail.”

Matthew 9:16: “No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old [παλαιόω] garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse.”

Mark 2:21: “No one sews a new patch on an old [παλαιόω] garment. Otherwise, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Example 1: Plato, The Republic: “The old [παλαιόω] laws require reevaluation as society evolves.”

Example 2: Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics: “An old [παλαιόω] principle must be tested against new understandings of ethics.”

Example 3: Herodotus, Histories: “The tales of old [παλαιόω] civilizations serve as lessons for the future.”

Septuagint Example 1: Isaiah 42:9: “See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you.”

Septuagint Example 2: Ezekiel 36:26: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”

Septuagint Example 3: Jeremiah 31:31: “The days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah.”

Noteworthy Summary

The term παλαιόω signifies the act of making something old or the condition of being old, reflecting cultural and theological shifts from the old ways of living to the new life found in Christ.

Did You Know?

1. The contrast between παλαιόω and renewal is a significant theme in the New Testament, emphasizing the transformative power of faith.

2. The word’s usage in teachings of Jesus often illustrates the need to embrace new ways rather than clinging to outdated practices.

3. In classical literature, references to aging and obsolescence often serve as a critique of stagnation in thought and practice.

Strong’s G3822: παλαιόω (palaiōō) means “to make old,” indicating a process of aging that reflects on spiritual transformation and renewal in faith, particularly in the context of the New Testament teachings.