Jump to: Smith's • ATS • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and holds significant theological and symbolic meaning within the Christian tradition. In the context of the Bible, "Alpha" is often used in conjunction with "Omega," the last letter of the Greek alphabet, to denote the eternal nature and omnipotence of God. This concept is prominently featured in the Book of Revelation.Biblical References: 1. Revelation 1:8 : "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, who is and was and is to come—the Almighty." This verse underscores the eternal existence and unchanging nature of God. By identifying Himself as both the beginning (Alpha) and the end (Omega), God emphasizes His sovereignty over all of creation and time. 2. Revelation 21:6 : "And He said to me, 'It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give freely from the spring of the water of life.'" Here, the use of Alpha and Omega highlights God's role as the origin and consummation of all things. It also reflects His provision and the fulfillment of His promises to humanity. 3. Revelation 22:13 : "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End." This declaration reaffirms the comprehensive nature of God's authority and presence throughout history and eternity. Theological Significance: The use of Alpha in these passages is deeply rooted in the understanding of God's eternal nature. It signifies that God is the source of all things and that everything ultimately finds its purpose and conclusion in Him. This concept is central to Christian theology, which holds that God is both transcendent and immanent, existing beyond time and space while also being intimately involved in the world. Christological Implications: In Christian doctrine, Jesus Christ is often associated with the titles of Alpha and Omega, reflecting His divine nature and role in salvation history. As the incarnate Word of God, Jesus embodies the fullness of God's revelation to humanity. The identification of Christ with Alpha and Omega in Revelation emphasizes His pre-existence, His active participation in creation, and His ultimate authority over the final judgment and the new creation. Symbolism in Christian Art and Worship: The symbolism of Alpha and Omega is frequently depicted in Christian art and iconography. These letters are often found in church architecture, stained glass windows, and religious vestments, serving as a visual reminder of God's eternal presence and the hope of eternal life through Christ. In liturgical settings, the invocation of Alpha and Omega can be a powerful expression of faith in God's eternal plan and the believer's place within it. Conclusion: The concept of Alpha, as used in the Bible, is a profound testament to the nature of God as the beginning and the end. It encapsulates the Christian belief in God's eternal sovereignty and His ultimate purpose for creation. Through the lens of Alpha and Omega, believers are invited to trust in God's unchanging nature and His promise of redemption and eternal life. Smith's Bible Dictionary ASee ALPHA ATS Bible Dictionary AThe first letter in almost all alphabets. In Hebrew, it is called aleph, in Greek, alpha, the last letter in the Greek alphabet being omega. Both the Hebrews and Greeks used their letters as numerals; and hence A (aleph or alpha) denoted one, or the first. So our Lord says, "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last;" thus declaring his eternity and that he is the cause and end of all things, Revelation 1:8,11 21:6 22:13 Isaiah 44:6 48:12 Colossians 1:15-18. Easton's Bible Dictionary Alpha, the first letter of the Greek alphabet, as Omega is the last. These letters occur in the text of Revelation 1:8,11; 21:6; 22:13, and are represented by "Alpha" and "Omega" respectively (omitted in R.V., 1:11). They mean "the first and last." (Comp. Hebrews 12:2; Isaiah 41:4; 44:6; Revelation 1:11, 17; 2:8.) In the symbols of the early Christian Church these two letters are frequently combined with the cross or with Christ's monogram to denote his divinity. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The first letter of the English and of many other alphabets. The capital A of the alphabets of Middle and Western Europe, as also the small letter (a), besides the forms in Italic, black letter, etc., are all descended from the old Latin A, which was borrowed from the Greek Alpha, of the same form; and this was made from the first letter (/) of the Phoenician alphabet, the equivalent of the Hebrew Aleph, and itself from the Egyptian origin. The Aleph was a consonant letter, with a guttural breath sound that was not an element of Greek articulation; and the Greeks took it to represent their vowel Alpha with the a sound, the Phoenician alphabet having no vowel symbols.2. (n.) The name of the sixth tone in the model major scale (that in C), or the first tone of the minor scale, which is named after it the scale in A minor. The second string of the violin is tuned to the A in the treble staff. -- A sharp (A/) is the name of a musical tone intermediate between A and B. -- A flat (A/) is the name of a tone intermediate between A and G. 3. (n.) An adjective, commonly called the indefinite article, and signifying one or any, but less emphatically. 4. (p. p.) In each; to or for each; as, twenty leagues a day, a hundred pounds a year, a dollar a yard, etc. 5. (prep.) In; on; at; by. 6. (prep.) In process of; in the act of; into; to; -- used with verbal substantives in -ing which begin with a consonant. This is a shortened form of the preposition an (which was used before the vowel sound); as in a hunting, a building, a begging. 7. (p. p.) Of. 8. (n.) A barbarous corruption of have, of he, and sometimes of it and of they. 9. (n.) An expletive, void of sense, to fill up the meter Greek 3056. logos -- a word (as embodying an idea), a statement, a ... ... a word (as embodying an idea), a statement, a speech. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: logos Phonetic Spelling: (log'-os) Short Definition: a ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3056.htm - 8k 2583. kanon -- a rule, standard 4074. Petros -- "a stone" or "a boulder," Peter, one of the twelve ... 5007. talanton -- a balance, hence that which is weighed, ie a ... 1114. goes -- a wailer, a sorcerer, a swindler 4712. stadion -- a stadium (a Gr. measure of length), by impl. a ... 5586. psephos -- a small smooth stone, a pebble 3816. pais -- a child, boy, youth 4625. skandalon -- a stick for bait (of a trap), generally a snare ... 4689. spendo -- to pour out (as a drink offering), to make a ... Strong's Hebrew 8659. Tarshish -- a son of Javan, his desc. and their land, also a ...... 8658, 8659. Tarshish. 8660 . a son of Javan, his desc. and their land, also a port on the Mediterranean, also a Benjamite, also a Pers. ... /hebrew/8659.htm - 6k 520. ammah -- an ell, a cubit 4525. masger -- a locksmith, smith, a dungeon 5780. Uts -- a son of Aram, also a son of Nahor, also an Edomite ... 8628. taqa -- to thrust, clap, give a blow, blast 5095. nahal -- to lead or guide to a watering place, bring to a ... 650. aphiq -- a channel 7852. satam -- to bear a grudge or cherish animosity against 4932. mishneh -- a double, copy, second 4569. ma'abar -- a ford, pass, passing Library Gathering Clouds: A Tale of the Days of St. Chrysostom Story of a Soul A Key to the Apocalypse A Collection of Gospel Hymns in Ojibway and English A Treatise on the Soul How to Live a Holy Life A Discourse Concerning the Being and Attributes of God A Brief Commentary on the Apocalypse Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of Faith A Body of Divinity Thesaurus A'den (1 Occurrence)A'den. Addus, A'den. Adequacy . Multi-Version Concordance A'den (1 Occurrence). Luke 19:46 saying to them, "It is written ... /a/a'den.htm - 6k A'chish (17 Occurrences) A'bel-Mizraim (1 Occurrence) A'dri-el (1 Occurrence) Arimathe'a (4 Occurrences) Zi'a (1 Occurrence) Ko'a (1 Occurrence) A'bel-Meho'lah (3 Occurrences) Shammu'a (1 Occurrence) Attali'a (1 Occurrence) Resources A: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance A (102073 Occurrences)A occurs 102073 times in 12 translations. You can narrow your search using the Advanced Bible Search. Subtopics Related Terms A'bel-Meho'lah (3 Occurrences) A'bel-Beth-Ma'acah (2 Occurrences) |