ἀεί (aei)
aei
always
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb aei conveys the idea of continuity, meaning always, perpetually, or without interruption. In the New Testament, it describes actions or states that endure through time, such as the ongoing suffering of believers described in 2 Corinthians 4:11, or the constant attitude required toward enemies in Mark 9:50.
Its force comes from a root suggesting continued duration, emphasizing an unbroken line rather than isolated moments. While it often means "unceasingly," it can also imply regularity, occurring on every occasion as seen in Peter’s instructions to be ready to give a defense at all times (1 Peter 3:15). This dual nuance allows it to cover both persistent states and repeated faithful actions.
Translators typically render aei as "always" or "continually," capturing its steady rhythm. The word appears in key passages like Titus 1:12, where it underscores the persistent nature of certain behaviors. Its usage highlights a theological emphasis on endurance and consistency in the Christian life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word aei reminds us that faith is not a series of isolated moments but a steady rhythm. It describes a continuity that holds through changing circumstances, much like Paul’s observation in 2 Corinthians 6:10 about being sorrowful yet always rejoicing. This suggests that our joy does not depend on the absence of pain, but on a deeper, unbroken connection to God that persists regardless of external conditions.
For your daily walk, this means you can trust in a hope that does not fluctuate with your mood or situation. Peter encourages believers to be always ready to share their faith (1 Peter 3:15), implying that readiness is a constant posture rather than a reactive impulse. This consistency offers stability when life feels unpredictable.
Ultimately, this word points to the reliability of God’s presence. Just as the text highlights an unbroken line of endurance, you are invited to rest in the assurance that your spiritual foundation remains firm. It is a gentle invitation to live with a steady heart, anchored in truth rather than shifting emotions.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- always6×
- [are] always1×
- Always1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀεὶ8×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 6:10
as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing and yet possessing all things.
This verse uses the word to describe a paradoxical state of being sorrowful yet maintaining an unbroken attitude of rejoicing.
-
I Peter 3:15
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts. Always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with humility and fear,
Here it modifies the instruction to be ready, framing the defense of faith as a constant posture rather than a occasional duty.
-
II Corinthians 4:11
For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus may be revealed in our mortal flesh.
The term emphasizes the continuous nature of suffering for Jesus, linking present endurance directly to the revelation of His life.