> General Discussions

I asked an expert!

(1/4) > >>

bwstaircase89:
Hey everyone,

I wanted to find a neutral source about the meaning of "aion" and "aionios" so I went to this Ask an Expert site and asked a guy who speaks Greek about the words. Here is my question and his answer:

Subject:     aion and aionios
Question:     Hi there!

I had a question about the meaning of the words aion and aionios.

Many of the sources I have questioned have said that aion means eternal. This can't be right because there are passages in the New Testament that talk about being before the "aion".

These sources also say that aionios means eternal.

But, many other sources tell me that "aion" means age. These sources also tell me that the adjective aionios means age-lasting or eonian.

So, in the Greek of the New Testment does aionios mean eternal? I have read that the ancient Greeks didn't have a concept of eternity and the word that gets the closest to eternal is aidios.

Thank You,

Pat

(Answer)     

Dear Pat,
Thanks for you question.

I want to say I don't have much time lately so keep your questions for the days I return from the AllExperts holiday break.

Aion means century, age. Aionios is the one that lasts for ever, is eternal. In modern Greek aionios means eternal.

Well, Ancient greek might not have the concept that one century(aion in modern greek) lasts for 100 years. The thing is that they didn't have a calendar as we know it today.

Hope this helps
Yours,
Bob

I guess the ancients didn't have a concept of eternity. In the "Is Everlasting Scriptural" article that is what Ray shows. When you put the word aionios into the context of some passages though, it shows that it can't be eternal.

I thought that was interesting,

Pat
    

Deborah-Leigh:
Hello Pat

The Scriptures did not have a concept for the word Hell as is meant by the Pagans either! ;D

Just shows how the modern Greek language and the Pagans could be holding hands! ;D ;)

Peace to you

Arcturus :)

josh:
Hi Pat.

I believe it may be impossible to find a "neutral" or "unbias" source when desiring to know the true meaning of the word "aion" or "aionios"... the truth is everyone has an agenda behind the way that they interpret the scriptures... and often, it is self-serving.

I realize no matter what I may say... you will continue to search out the "true" meaning behind this word... but I challenge you to not hinge your faith on what God's plan for mankind is simply on the translation of one word, or two... or a thousand.

Read the word, pray and seek God for the truth... to know and understand the character of God throughout the scriptures... I believe this will, if God wills, give you a clear picture of what God's true desire for humanity is throughout the ages and into eternity.

May God grant us all patience and wisdom as we seek after God.

God's Peace.
Josh

Dennis Vogel:

--- Quote ---In modern Greek aionios means eternal
--- End quote ---

Words many times change what they mean over time.

Dennis

Truth101:
HI all,

I have looked into these words a few years ago and I saw one thing that I believe may have been over looked.

I did a study on every scripture using the word "aionios" and it appears that everytime the word "aionios" is used it is in reference to the kingdom age. All other times the word "aion" is used.

Aion is always referring to an age or period of time in general it would seem but, "aionios" seems to always refer to the kingdom specifically. This may be the reason even so called speciallists in translation have such a hard time coming in agreement over true definition.

"Aionios life" and "aionios death" are both descriptive of our destined condition in the kingdom, never referring to this age we live in now. When all is fully made whole and God is All in All we have "life" period, not aionios life. So what I see is that the word "aionios" carries with it a definition greater than just a description of time but with special characteristics which are distinct from all other ages.

If I am wrong on this please let me know. I have been looking at this for some time and cannot find anything on the contrary.

In Jesus name, God bless, Dave

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page