The meaning of “αἰώνιος”
Understanding aiṓnios reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
eternal, for ever, everlasting, world (began). - perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)
αἰώνιος
eternal, for ever, everlasting, world (began). - perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 19:29 | “And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.” Word: αἰώνιος (aiṓnios) | |
| John 6:40 | “And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” Word: αἰώνιος (aiṓnios) | |
| 2 Corinthians 4:18 | “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. ” Word: αἰώνιος (aiṓnios) | |
| 1 Timothy 6:16 | “Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.” Word: αἰώνιος (aiṓnios) | |
| Philemon 1:15 | “For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;” Word: αἰώνιος (aiṓnios) |
Theological Word Study: Eternal
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Eternal, everlasting
The Hebrew olam (עוֹלָם) means eternal or everlasting—time stretching beyond human comprehension. God is the 'everlasting God' (Genesis 21:33), and His covenant love endures forever.
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Eternal, everlasting
The Greek aiōnios (αἰώνιος) denotes eternal or everlasting—unending duration. Believers possess 'eternal life' (John 3:16) now and will dwell with God eternally, while the impenitent face 'eternal punishment' (Matthew 25:46).