Understanding ἄρχομαι (archomai) Strong’s G756: The Divine Initiative – From First Steps to Spiritual Transformation

Pronunciation Guide: ar’-khom-ahee (where ‘kh’ is pronounced like the ‘ch’ in Scottish ‘loch’)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G756: ἄρχομαι (archomai) signifies “to begin” or “to make a beginning.” It carries the deeper nuance of initiating action or taking the first step in a process. The word often implies both the concept of origin and the idea of leadership or primary position, reflecting its connection to ἄρχω (archō), which means “to rule” or “to be first.”

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb (deponent middle/passive)
• Root Word: Related to ἄρχω (archō) – “to rule”
• Language Origin: Classical Greek
• Primary Usage: Narrative passages, particularly in the Gospels
• Voice: Middle/Passive deponent (active in meaning)
• Tense: Present and Aorist most common

ἄρχομαι Morphology:

• ἄρχομαι (present indicative middle) – I begin
• ἤρξατο (aorist indicative middle) – he/she/it began
• ἄρξομαι (future indicative middle) – I will begin
• ἄρξασθαι (aorist infinitive middle) – to begin
• ἀρχόμενος (present participle middle) – beginning

Origin & History

The word ἄρχομαι has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it originally carried the dual meaning of “to begin” and “to lead.” In works like Thucydides’ “History of the Peloponnesian War,” it often appears in military contexts, describing the initiation of campaigns or battles. This military usage gradually expanded to encompass any kind of beginning or initiative.

In the Septuagint (LXX), ἄρχομαι frequently translates the Hebrew חָלַל (chalal) and other words meaning “to begin.” It appears notably in Genesis 11:6 regarding the Tower of Babel narrative, where God observes that this is what the people “begin” to do. This usage in the LXX helped shape its later New Testament significance.

The early Church Fathers, particularly Origen in his “Commentary on John,” used ἄρχομαι extensively when discussing the concept of divine initiative and human response. Chrysostom, in his homilies, often emphasized the theological significance of “beginnings” using this term.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To make a beginning or start something new
• To take the initiative or be the first to act
• To commence a process or action
• To originate or initiate something

ἄρχομαι Translation Options:

• “To begin” – Most common translation, emphasizing the initiation of action
• “To commence” – More formal option, useful in official or ceremonial contexts
• “To start” – Less formal, particularly appropriate in narrative contexts
• “To take the first step” – Helpful when emphasizing initiative or leadership
• “To initiate” – Useful when the focus is on being the originator of an action

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἄρχομαι appears frequently in narrative contexts, particularly in the Gospels, where it often marks significant transitions in Jesus’ ministry. Its first appearance in Matthew 4:17 is especially significant, as it marks the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry with the proclamation of the Kingdom.

The word carries special weight in Luke’s Gospel, where it often appears at crucial turning points in the narrative. Luke uses it to structure his account of Jesus’ ministry, marking new phases and developments in the unfolding story of salvation.

• “From that time Jesus began [ἤρξατο] to preach and say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'” Matthew 4:17
• “And He began [ἤρξατο] teaching daily in the temple.” Luke 19:47
• “The first account I composed, Theophilus, about all that Jesus began [ἤρξατο] to do and teach.” Acts 1:1
• “And Peter began [ἤρξατο] to say to Him, ‘Behold, we have left everything and followed You.'” Mark 10:28
• “And He began [ἤρξατο] to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things.” Mark 8:31

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish thought, the concept of beginning (התחלה – hatchalah) carried significant weight. The rabbis taught that “all beginnings are difficult” (כל התחלות קשות), highlighting the importance of initiative and perseverance. This cultural understanding adds depth to the New Testament usage of ἄρχομαι, particularly in contexts where Jesus or His disciples initiate new phases of ministry.

The word also connects to the Jewish concept of רֵאשִׁית (reshit), meaning “beginning” or “first fruits,” which appears in Genesis 1:1. This connection emphasizes the sacred nature of beginnings in biblical thought, where every new start potentially mirrors the original creation and carries divine significance.

Theological Significance

The use of ἄρχομαι in the New Testament often signals divine initiative in salvation history. When Jesus “begins” to preach (Matthew 4:17), it marks not just the start of His public ministry but the inauguration of the Kingdom of God on earth. This reflects the character of God as the initiator of redemption, the One who always makes the first move in restoration and reconciliation.

The word carries particular weight in Luke-Acts, where it forms part of a larger theological framework emphasizing the continuity between Jesus’ earthly ministry and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit through the Church. When Luke states that his first book was about “all that Jesus began to do and teach” (Acts 1:1), he implies that Jesus’ work continues through His followers, empowered by the Spirit.

This theological understanding of ἄρχομαι reminds us that God is both the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. Every significant beginning in salvation history reflects His sovereign initiative and perfect timing.

Personal Application

Understanding ἄρχομαι challenges us to recognize divine beginnings in our own lives. Just as Jesus began His ministry at the perfect time, we too are called to be sensitive to God’s timing and initiative in our lives. This word reminds us that every spiritual journey, every ministry, and every act of obedience begins with God’s initiative, to which we are invited to respond.

When we feel prompted to begin something new – whether in ministry, personal growth, or service – we can take courage from knowing that God is the master of beginnings. He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it (Philippians 1:6).

Related Words

• ἄρχω (archō) – to rule, to be first – Similar root but emphasizes authority rather than initiation See G757
• προάρχομαι (proarchomai) – to go before, to begin before – Adds the concept of precedence to beginning See G4281
• ἐνάρχομαι (enarchomai) – to begin in – Emphasizes the internal nature of beginning See G1728
• ὑπάρχω (hyparchō) – to begin under, to exist – Relates to foundational existence See G5225

Did you Know?

• Did you know that ἄρχομαι shares its root with words like “archbishop” and “architect,” reflecting its connection to concepts of leadership and primary position? This reminds us that true beginnings often involve both initiative and authority.
• Did you know that in modern Greek, ἄρχομαι is still used commonly, particularly in the phrase “Άρχομαι να καταλαβαίνω” meaning “I’m beginning to understand”? This modern usage preserves the sense of gradual initiation found in the New Testament.
• Did you know that the frequency of ἄρχομαι in the Gospels (particularly in the phrase “and He began to teach”) might reflect an oral tradition where such phrases served as memory markers for the early church’s telling of Jesus’ story?

Remember This

Every ἄρχομαι in Scripture marks not just a chronological beginning, but a divine initiative that invites human participation in God’s unfolding story of redemption.