1088. gerón
Lexical Summary
gerón: Elder, old man

Original Word: γέρων
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: gerón
Pronunciation: ghe'-ron
Phonetic Spelling: (gher'-own)
KJV: old
NASB: old
Word Origin: [of uncertain affinity]

1. old (man)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
old.

Of uncertain affinity (compare geras); aged -- old.

see GREEK geras

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
a prim. word
Definition
an old man
NASB Translation
old (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 1088: γέρων

γέρων, γεροντος, (from Homer down), an old man: John 3:4. (Synonym: cf. Augustine in Trench, § 107:2.)

Topical Lexicon
Scriptural Occurrence

The term appears singularly in the New Testament at John 3:4, within Nicodemus’s midnight conversation with Jesus: “Nicodemus asked, ‘How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time to be born?’” (Berean Standard Bible). Its solitary usage renders the word memorable, framing the tension between natural age and spiritual rebirth.

Context in John 3

Nicodemus, a respected Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin, approaches Jesus recognizing His divine endorsement. Jesus immediately speaks of the necessity of being “born again” (John 3:3). Nicodemus’s reply employs the word for “old man,” exposing a strictly earthly frame of reference. The exchange underlines two truths:

1. Physical maturity, experience, and status—embodied in an “old man”—cannot procure entry into the kingdom of God.
2. Spiritual regeneration is wholly a work of the Spirit (John 3:5-8), transcending every human limitation, including advanced age.

Old Age in Biblical Theology

Although the word itself surfaces only once, Scripture frequently treats age with dignity:

Proverbs 16:31 celebrates “gray hair” as “a crown of glory.”
Psalm 92:14 promises that the righteous “will still bear fruit in old age.”
Isaiah 46:4 records God’s assurance: “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He… I will carry you and save you.”

By juxtaposing Nicodemus’s physical seniority with the necessity of new birth, John 3 teaches that the blessings associated with age—wisdom, honor, and stability—remain insufficient for salvation apart from Christ.

Examples of Aged Servants of God

1. Abraham (Genesis 12; 21): Called at seventy-five, he became a model of faith for all generations.
2. Moses (Exodus 3-7): Commissioned at eighty, he led Israel out of Egypt, proving God’s power through the elderly.
3. Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:25-38): In advanced years they recognized the infant Messiah, displaying spiritual vitality unfettered by age.

These lives demonstrate that “old” does not equate to spiritual stagnation. Instead, God often entrusts critical assignments to those who have walked with Him longest.

Ministry Significance

1. Discipleship: Mature believers bring accumulated wisdom to mentoring younger saints (Titus 2:2-5).
2. Leadership: Eldership itself presumes maturity, whether chronological or spiritual (1 Timothy 3:1-7).
3. Testimony: Seasoned faith authenticates the enduring reliability of God’s promises, encouraging perseverance in the broader body.

Practical Application

• Salvation Appeal: No person is beyond the reach of new birth; advanced years neither hinder nor guarantee redemption.
• Honor and Care: Churches are admonished to show honor, provide support, and facilitate ministry opportunities for senior members (1 Timothy 5:1-3).
• Lifelong Growth: Spiritual renewal remains available and necessary for every stage of life, enabling believers to “finish the race” (2 Timothy 4:7) with vigor.

Summary

Though occurring only in John 3:4, the word for “old man” serves as a springboard for rich reflection on the interplay between physical age and spiritual life. Scripture esteems the elderly, yet it insists that eternal life comes solely through the sovereign work of the Spirit. Recognizing both truths equips the church to value its senior saints while continually proclaiming the imperative of being born again.

Forms and Transliterations
γέροντα γέροντες γερόντων γερων γέρων γεύμα γεύσει geron gerōn géron gérōn
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Englishman's Concordance
John 3:4 N-NMS
GRK: ἄνθρωπος γεννηθῆναι γέρων ὤν μὴ
NAS: be born when he is old? He cannot
KJV: be born when he is old? can he enter
INT: a man be born old being not

Strong's Greek 1088
1 Occurrence


γέρων — 1 Occ.

1087
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