Lexical Summary akron: extremity, top, tip, end Original Word: ἄκρον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance tip, top, highest point Neuter of an adjective probably akin to the base of akmen; the extremity -- one end... Other, tip, top, uttermost participle see GREEK akmen NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom akros; from the same as akantha Definition highest, extreme NASB Translation end (1), farthest end (2), other (1), tip (1), top (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 206: ἄκροςἄκρος, , (ἀκή point (see ἀκμή)) (from Homer down), highest, extreme; τό ἄκρον the topmost point, the extremity (cf. Buttmann, 94 (82)): Luke 16:24; Hebrews 11:21 (see προσκυνέω, a. at the end); ἄκρα, ἄκρον γῆς, οὐρανοῦ, the farthest bounds, uttermost parts, end, of the earth, of heaven: Matthew 24:31; Mark 13:27; cf. Deuteronomy 4:32; Deuteronomy 28:64; Isaiah 13:5; Jeremiah 12:12. Topical Lexicon Thematic Essence ἄκρος and its declined forms denote the farthest reach, outermost limit, or highest point of a thing. Within Scripture the term functions symbolically, stressing the exhaustive scope of God’s activity—whether in gathering, judging, showing mercy, or receiving worship. It accents the “nothing left out” character of divine dealings, moving the reader to trust that the Lord’s purposes extend to every last corner and culminate at the highest peak. Scriptural Distribution Matthew 24:31 (twice), Mark 13:27 (twice), Luke 16:24, Hebrews 11:21. Eschatological Scope of Redemption (Matthew 24:31; Mark 13:27) In both the Olivet Discourse passages, Jesus promises an angelic ingathering “from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other” (Matthew 24:31) and “from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven” (Mark 13:27). ἄκρος marks the furthest conceivable boundary of creation, underscoring the certainty that no elect individual will be overlooked in the final harvest. The term therefore supports the doctrines of divine omniscience and effectual calling: the Sovereign gathers His redeemed from every latitude, longitude, and era. Pastoral application follows—evangelism is never in vain, for the Lord knows each soul “to the uttermost” and will one day summon them unfailingly. Portrayal of Compassion over Judgment (Luke 16:24) In the rich man’s plea, he begs that Lazarus might “dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue” (Luke 16:24). Here ἄκρος describes the tiny extremity of a single finger—emphasizing the minimal relief requested. The narrative contrasts the smallest imaginable mercy with the irreversible justice of the afterlife. That even so slight an act would be impossible highlights the urgency of repentance in this life and confirms the irrevocability of post-mortem destinies. Worship at Life’s Summit (Hebrews 11:21) Jacob “worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff” (Hebrews 11:21). The patriarch, at the extreme end of his earthly pilgrimage, rests upon the staff’s ἄκρον while blessing Joseph’s sons. The word paints a vivid picture of frailty leaning on the staff’s very peak, yet simultaneously elevating praise to the Most High. Faith perseveres to life’s ἄκρον; physical decline cannot hinder spiritual ascent. The passage encourages believers to finish well—turning every limitation into a platform for adoration. Canonical Interconnections 1. Totality: From cosmic boundaries (Matthew, Mark) to a fingertip (Luke), ἄκρος covers both macro and micro extremes, declaring God’s dominion over all scales of existence. Practical Consequences for Discipleship • Assurance—Believers rest in the certainty that Christ’s reach extends to the last edge of heaven and earth. Thus ἄκρος, though rare, furnishes a rich theological tapestry: the extremity that secures total redemption, exposes uncompromising justice, and crowns lifelong faith with worship. Forms and Transliterations άκρα ακρον άκρον ἄκρον ακροτόμοις ακρότομον ακροτόμου ακροτόμω ακρου άκρου ἄκρου άκρω ακρων άκρων ἄκρων άρκον akron akrōn ákron ákrōn akrou ákrouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 24:31 N-GNPGRK: ἀνέμων ἀπ' ἄκρων οὐρανῶν ἕως NAS: winds, from one end of the sky KJV: winds, from one end of heaven to INT: winds from [the] extremities of the heavens to Matthew 24:31 N-GNP Mark 13:27 N-GNS Mark 13:27 N-GNS Luke 16:24 N-ANS Hebrews 11:21 N-ANS Strong's Greek 206 |
    |