1095. géraskó

Lexical Summary

géraskó: To grow old, to age

Original Word: γηράσκω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: géraskó
Pronunciation: ghey-RAH-skoh
Phonetic Spelling: (ghay-ras'-ko)
KJV: be (wax) old
NASB: grow old, growing old
Word Origin: [from G1094 (γήρας - old age)]

1. to grow old

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

become old.

From geras; to be senescent -- be (wax) old.

see GREEK geras

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from géras
Definition
to grow old
NASB Translation
grow old (1), growing old (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 1095: γηράσκω

γηράσκω or γηράω: 1 aorist ἐγήρασα; from Homer down; (cf. Winers Grammar, 92 (88); Donaldson, New Crat. § 387); to grow old: John 21:18; of things, institutions, etc., to fail from age, be obsolescent: Hebrews 8:13 (to be deprived of force and authority; (here associated with παλαιουμενος — the latter (used only of things) marking the lapse of time, while γηρασκων carries with it a suggestion of the waning strength, the decay, incident to old age (cf. Schmidt, chapter 46, 7; Theophrastus, caus. pl. 6, 7, 5): that which is becoming old and faileth for age etc.)).

Topical Lexicon

Definition and Semantic Range

Strong’s Greek 1095 denotes the process of growing old or advancing in age. In Scripture the term is not limited to physical decline; it can also signify the gradual obsolescence of institutions, covenantal arrangements, or patterns of life that have fulfilled their purpose.

Occurrences in the New Testament

• John 21:18 – Jesus uses the verb to describe Peter’s future “when you are old,” contrasting youthful independence with the surrender that will mark his later years and eventual martyrdom.
• Hebrews 8:13 – The writer applies the term to the Mosaic covenant: “what is obsolete and aging will soon disappear,” emphasizing that the Old Covenant, like a worn-out garment, is giving way to the New.

Old Testament Background

In the Septuagint the same verb frequently describes patriarchs who “grew old” (Genesis 18:11; 27:1) and leaders who completed their course (Joshua 23:1–2). Old age is portrayed both as a sign of divine blessing (Job 42:17) and as a time of frailty (Ecclesiastes 12:1–5). Scripture consistently calls God’s people to honor the aged (Leviticus 19:32) and to recognize the wisdom that can accompany years (Proverbs 16:31).

Theological Themes

1. Transience and Dependence

John 21:18 highlights how aging exposes human vulnerability and redirects trust from self-reliance to the sustaining grace of God.
2. Covenant Progression

Hebrews 8:13 declares that the Old Covenant is “aging,” not because it failed, but because it reached its divinely appointed conclusion in Christ. The verb thus illustrates redemptive-historical movement from promise to fulfillment.
3. Glory Beyond Decay

Scripture balances the reality of bodily decline with the promise of inner renewal (2 Corinthians 4:16) and future resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:42–44).

Christological Significance

Jesus, though never described with this verb, enters fully into the human condition, including its temporal limits (Hebrews 2:14). By promising Peter sustaining grace in old age and inaugurating a covenant that never grows old (Hebrews 13:20), Christ proves Himself Lord over time, mortality, and covenant history.

Pastoral and Ministry Implications

• Shepherding the elderly: John 21 encourages the Church to value believers whose strength is diminished yet whose faith is precious (Psalm 92:14).
• Teaching covenant continuity: Hebrews 8 equips pastors to explain the unity of Scripture—honoring the Law while exalting the superior ministry of Christ.
• Modeling surrender: Peter’s path from youthful zeal to mature dependence exemplifies discipleship that endures to life’s final season.

Practical Application

1. Encourage intergenerational fellowship so that wisdom gained through years can bless younger believers (Titus 2:2–6).
2. Provide avenues for older saints to serve within their capacity, affirming that usefulness in the kingdom is not measured by physical vigor alone.
3. Offer clear teaching on the New Covenant, assuring hearts that salvation rests on a promise that never deteriorates with age.

Summary

Strong’s Greek 1095 paints a sober yet hopeful picture: everything touched by the fall—including human bodies and provisional covenants—grows old, but God’s redemptive plan culminates in an eternal covenant secured by Christ. Believers, therefore, can face aging with faith, minister to the elderly with honor, and proclaim a gospel that never fades.

Forms and Transliterations

γεγήρακα γεγήρακας γεγήρακέ γηράσαι γηράσει γηράση γηρασης γηράσης γηράσῃς γηρασκον γηράσκον γίγαντα γίγαντας γίγαντες γίγαντος γιγάντων γιγάρτου γίγας εγήρασα εγήρασε εγήρασεν geráseis gērásēis gerases gērasēs geraskon geráskon gēraskon gēráskon

Englishman's Concordance

John 21:18 V-ASA-2S
GRK: ὅταν δὲ γηράσῃς ἐκτενεῖς τὰς
NAS: but when you grow old, you will stretch
KJV: when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth
INT: when however you shall be old you will stretch forth the

Hebrews 8:13 V-PPA-NNS
GRK: παλαιούμενον καὶ γηράσκον ἐγγὺς ἀφανισμοῦ
NAS: obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready
KJV: and waxeth old [is] ready
INT: grows old and aged [is] near vanishing

Strong's Greek 1095
2 Occurrences

γηράσῃς — 1 Occ.
γηράσκον — 1 Occ.