αἰών (aiōn)
aiōn
an age: age
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 101 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek noun aiōn refers to an indefinite period of time, often translated as "age" or "forever." Unlike words for simple duration, it carries a qualitative sense, marking a distinct era defined by its character. In the New Testament, this concept is central to how Christians understand history and eternity, appearing frequently in John’s writings, Hebrews, and Paul’s letters.
The sources highlight a key distinction between aiōn and kosmos. While kosmos describes the physical universe or the system of material things, aiōn focuses on the world under the aspect of time. This allows for phrases like "the present age" (Galatians 1:4) to contrast with "the age to come" (Mark 10:30), framing human history as a sequence of distinct divine eras rather than a single continuous flow.
A notable usage appears in Hebrews 1:8, where the phrase "unto the ages of ages" echoes the Hebrew idiom for eternity found in Isaiah 45:17. This double construction emphasizes the unbroken perpetuity of God’s reign. Translators often render these expressions as "forever," capturing the sense of a timeless reality that encompasses all periods of existence.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word aiōn helps us see that time is not just a long line of seconds, but a series of distinct chapters in God’s story. When Scripture speaks of the present age and the age to come, it reminds us that our current struggles are part of a larger narrative. This perspective offers hope because it means history has a direction and a purpose set by God.
Jesus used this concept to show that His work brings a new reality into our lives. In Matthew 28:20, He promises to be with us until the end of the age. This assurance grounds our faith in something permanent. We do not have to face the future alone, knowing that the One who speaks life also holds time itself.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 101 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- age38×
- ages33×
- ages,16×
- age.14×
- ages.8×
- age;4×
- age,4×
- ages!3×
- of eternity,1×
- of ages1×
- eternity’1×
- age?1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- αἰῶνας22×
- αἰῶνος19×
- αἰῶνα13×
- αἰώνων,13×
- αἰώνων9×
- αἰῶνι8×
- αἰῶνας,7×
- αἰῶνα.7×
- αἰῶνα.¶6×
- αἰῶνα,4×
- αἰώνων.¶4×
- αἰῶνα·3×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 28:20
teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
This verse anchors our daily obedience in the certainty of Christ’s presence throughout the entire course of history.
-
Mark 10:30
but he will receive one hundred times more now in this time: houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and land, with persecutions; and in the age to come eternal life.
Here the word contrasts our current sacrifices with the eternal life promised in the coming age, highlighting God's generous reward.
-
Matthew 6:13
Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.’
The doxology attributes all power and glory to God for all ages, affirming His sovereign rule over every era.
-
Luke 1:33
and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever. There will be no end to his Kingdom.”
This prophecy about Jesus’ reign uses the term to emphasize a kingdom that will never end or fade away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does aiōn mean in the New Testament?
How is aiōn different from other words for time?
Where does this word appear most often?
Every Occurrence (101 verses across 22 books)
Matthew 9 verses
Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory…
Matthew 12:32Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it…
Matthew 13:22What was sown among the thorns, this is he who hears the word, but the cares of this age and the deceitfulness of…
Matthew 13:39The enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels.
Matthew 13:40As therefore the darnel weeds are gathered up and burned with fire; so will it be at the end of this age.
Matthew 13:49So it will be in the end of the world. The angels will come and separate the wicked from among the righteous,
Matthew 21:19Seeing a fig tree by the road, he came to it and found nothing on it but leaves. He said to it, “Let there be no fruit…
Matthew 24:3As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be?…
Matthew 28:20teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”…