Lexicon alpha: Alpha Original Word: ἄλφα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Alpha.Of Hebrew origin; the first letter of the alphabet; figuratively, only (from its use as a numeral) the first: --Alpha. Often used (usually an, before a vowel) also in composition (as a contraction from aneu) in the sense of privation; so, in many words, beginning with this letter; occasionally in the sense of union (as a contraction of hama). see GREEK aneu see GREEK hama HELPS Word-studies 1 A – alpha, the first letter of the Greek alphabet. 1/a (alpha) is used as a prefix (called its "privative use") and typically means "no" or "not" (= "un-," "without"). [Greek words, whose first letter (of the root) is alpha, can not take an "alpha-privative" to negate them, so the only way to express their "antithesis" is using a negative particle before them (e.g. mē, ou).] Example: There is no single word for "unforgiveness" in the NT because the first letter is already alpha ("a") – so a negative has to be used separately like, "not forgive" (ou/mē aphiēmi). "Righteousness/judge" (dikē) however does not begin in Greek with the letter "a" so unrighteousness is formed by using the prefix alpha (adikia). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfirst letter of the Greek alphabet Definition alpha, as num. 1 or 1000, as prefix (1) negative (2) copulative (3) intensive. Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1: Α, ἄλφαΑ, ἄλφα, τό, the first letter of the Greek alphabet, opening the series which the letter omega ω closes. Hence, the expression ἐγώ εἰμί τό Α (L T Tr WH ἄλφα) καί τό Ω (Ὦ L WH), Revelation 1:8, 11 Rec., which is explained by the appended words ἡ ἀρχή καί τό τέλος, Revelation 21:6, and by the further addition ὁ πρῶτος καί ὁ ἔσχατος, Revelation 22:13. On the meaning of the phrase cf. Revelation 11:17; Isaiah 41:4; Isaiah 44:6; Isaiah 48:12; (especially B. D. American edition, p. 73). Α, when prefixed to words as an inseparable syllable, is: 1. privative (στερητικόν), like the Latinin-, the English un-, giving a negative sense to the word to which it is prefixed, as ἀβαρής; or signifying what is contrary to it, as ἄτιμος, ἀτιμόω; before vowels generally αν(, as in ἀναίτιος. 2. copulative (ἀθροιστικόν), akin to the particle ἅμα (cf. Curtius, § 598), indicating community and fellowship, as in ἀδελφός, ἀκόλουθος. Hence, it is: 3. intensive (ἐπιτατικόν), strengthening the force of terms, like the Latincon in composition; as ἀτενίζω from ἀτενής (yet cf. Winers Grammar, 100 (95)). This use, however, is doubted or denied now by many (e. g. Lob. Path. Element. i. 34f). Cf. Kühner, i. 741, § 339 Anm. 5; (Jelf, § 342 δ.); Alexander Buttmann (1873) Gram. § 120 Anm. 11; (Donaldson, Gram., p. 334; New Crat. §§ 185, 213; Liddell and Scott, under the word). Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The corresponding Hebrew concept is represented by the letter "aleph" (א), which is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. While there is no direct Strong's Hebrew entry for "aleph" as a standalone term, it is foundational in the Hebrew language and carries similar symbolic significance as the beginning or first. Usage: In the New Testament, ἄλφα is used primarily in a symbolic sense, particularly in the Book of Revelation, where it is part of the phrase "Alpha and Omega," signifying the eternal nature and completeness of God. Context: The term ἄλφα appears in the New Testament in the context of divine titles and descriptions. Most notably, it is found in the Book of Revelation, where it is used in conjunction with "Omega," the last letter of the Greek alphabet. This phrase, "Alpha and Omega," is used to describe God and Jesus Christ, emphasizing their eternal existence and sovereignty over all creation. Englishman's Concordance Revelation 1:8 NGRK: εἰμι τὸ Ἄλφα καὶ τὸ KJV: I am Alpha and Omega, INT: am the Alpha and the Revelation 1:11 Noun Revelation 21:6 N Revelation 22:13 N |
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