Lexical Summary gerón: Elder, old man Original Word: γέρων Strong's Exhaustive Concordance old. Of uncertain affinity (compare geras); aged -- old. see GREEK geras NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition an old man NASB Translation old (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1088: γέρωνγέρων, γεροντος, ὁ (from Homer down), an old man: John 3:4. (Synonym: cf. Augustine in Trench, § 107:2.) Topical Lexicon Scriptural OccurrenceThe 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. 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.” 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. 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). Practical Application • Salvation Appeal: No person is beyond the reach of new birth; advanced years neither hinder nor guarantee redemption. 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 gérōnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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