Lexical Summary archaios: Ancient, old, former Original Word: ἀρχαῖος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of old, original. From arche; original or primeval -- (them of) old (time). see GREEK arche NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom arché Definition original, ancient NASB Translation ancient (2), ancients (2), early (1), long standing (1), old (4), old things (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 744: ἀρχαῖοςἀρχαῖος, ἀρχαῖα, ἀρχαῖον (from ἀρχή beginning, hence) properly, that has been from the beginning, original, primeval, old, ancient, used of men, things, times, conditions: Luke 9:8, 19; Acts 15:7, 21; Acts 21:16; 2 Peter 2:5; Revelation 12:9; Revelation 20:2; οἱ ἀρχαιοι the ancients, the early Israelites: Matthew 5:21, 27 (Rec.),33; τά ἀρχαῖα the man's previous moral condition: 2 Corinthians 5:17. (In Greek writings from Pindar and Herodotus down.) Topical Lexicon Overview The adjective ἀρχαῖος (Strong’s 744) denotes what is ancient, primeval, original, or belonging to an earlier era. In the Greek New Testament it appears eleven times and always draws attention to something that either precedes the present order or stands in contrast to what is new. The term therefore carries great weight in discussions of salvation history, scriptural authority, eschatology, and Christian ethics. Contrast between the Old and the New in Salvation (2 Corinthians 5:17) Paul declares, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!” Here ἀρχαῖος underscores the decisive break that union with Christ effects. The entire former order of life—dominated by sin, death, and alienation—is now relegated to the past. This text gives believers confidence that regeneration is not a mere improvement but a total re-creation. Past failures and identities lose their power; newness of life is established through the Spirit. Jesus and the Authority of the Ancient Law (Matthew 5:21, 33) Twice in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus introduces commandments with the phrase “You have heard that it was said to the ancients….” By referring to the “ancients” (τοῖς ἀρχαίοις) He acknowledges the venerable authority of the Mosaic Law while at the same time revealing its fullest intent. The Lord does not abolish what is ancient; He clarifies and deepens it. Christian ethics therefore honor the original divine standard while living in the greater righteousness Christ provides. Prophetic Expectation of Ancient Days (Luke 9:8, 19) Crowds speculate that Jesus might be “a prophet of long ago” who has risen again. The adjective links Jesus’ ministry to centuries of prophetic anticipation, validating the continuity of God’s redemptive plan. By surpassing every “prophet of old,” Christ fulfills and transcends prior revelation, confirming that the hope of Israel finds its consummation in Him. Early Gospel Mission and Ancient Witnesses (Acts 15:7, 21; 21:16) • Acts 15:7 recalls “the early days” when God first chose that Gentiles hear the gospel. The council grounds its deliberations on what God had already established, showing that precedent matters for doctrinal clarity. The Ancient Serpent and Eschatological Victory (Revelation 12:9; 20:2) Revelation twice labels the devil “that ancient serpent” (ὁ ὄφις ὁ ἀρχαῖος), connecting the adversary in Eden with the dragon of the last days. The term highlights: 1. The continuity of Satan’s opposition from Genesis to Revelation. Because the serpent’s menace is as old as the fall, the victory of Christ is all the more glorious, demonstrating divine sovereignty over the entire span of redemptive history. The Ancient World and Divine Judgment (2 Peter 2:5) Peter warns that God “did not spare the ancient world” when He sent the flood but preserved Noah. Judgment on the primeval world serves as a paradigm for future accountability. The same righteous God who judged ancient wickedness will address present sin. Conversely, the preservation of Noah assures believers of protection amid coming trials. Pastoral and Ministerial Implications 1. Gospel proclamation should emphasize that in Christ the “old things” truly pass away; congregations need assurance of real transformation. Historical and Intertestamental Background In the Septuagint ἀρχαῖος frequently translates Hebrew terms for what is “former” or “everlasting,” including references to God as the “Ancient of Days” (Daniel 7). Jewish literature used the word for patriarchs, prophets, and foundational events, setting the stage for its New Testament nuances. Its consistent association with origins, authenticity, and enduring significance explains why New Testament writers employ it both to validate divine revelation and to announce its culmination in Christ. Summary Strong’s 744 gathers into a single adjective the vast sweep of redemptive history—from the flood to the Law, from the prophets to the consummation. Whether describing obsolete realities surpassed in Christ, venerable testimonies that still instruct, or primordial enemies soon to be vanquished, ἀρχαῖος always points beyond the present moment to God’s enduring purposes. Its occurrences call the Church to cherish ancient truth, walk in newness of life, and await the final triumph promised from of old. Forms and Transliterations αρχαια αρχαία ἀρχαῖα αρχαίαις αρχαίαν αρχαίας αρχαιοις αρχαίοις ἀρχαίοις αρχαίον αρχαιος αρχαίος ἀρχαῖος αρχαιου αρχαίου ἀρχαίου αρχαιω αρχαίω ἀρχαίῳ αρχαιων αρχαίων ἀρχαίων archaia archaîa archaio archaiō archaíoi archaíōi archaiois archaíois archaion archaiōn archaíon archaíōn archaios archaîos archaiou archaíouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 5:21 Adj-DMPGRK: ἐρρέθη τοῖς ἀρχαίοις Οὐ φονεύσεις NAS: You have heard that the ancients were told, KJV: it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt INT: it was said to the ancients not You will murder Matthew 5:33 Adj-DMP Luke 9:8 Adj-GMP Luke 9:19 Adj-GMP Acts 15:7 Adj-GFP Acts 15:21 Adj-GFP Acts 21:16 Adj-DMS 2 Corinthians 5:17 Adj-NNP 2 Peter 2:5 Adj-GMS Revelation 12:9 Adj-NMS Revelation 20:2 Adj-NMS Strong's Greek 744 |
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