The meaning of “πάλαι”
Understanding pálai reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
probably another form for πάλιν (through the idea of retrocession) any while, a great while ago, (of) old, in time past....
πάλαι
probably another form for πάλιν (through the idea of retrocession) any while, a great while ago, (of) old, in time past. - (adverbially) formerly, or (by relatively) sometime since - (elliptically as adjective) ancient
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Mark 15:44 | “And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.” Word: πάλαι (pálai) | |
| Luke 10:13 | “Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had a great while ago repented, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.” Word: πάλαι (pálai) | |
| Hebrews 1:1 | “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,” Word: πάλαι (pálai) | |
| 2 Peter 1:9 | “But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.” Word: πάλαι (pálai) | |
| Jude 1:4 | “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” Word: πάλαι (pálai) |