ἔσχατος (eschatos)
eschatos
last/least
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 49 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word eschatos means "last," "lowest," or "uttermost." It is a superlative adjective that describes something at the very end of a sequence, whether in time, space, or social rank. In the New Testament, it appears about forty-nine times, often marking the boundary of a series or the final stage of an event.
Its meaning shifts depending on context. When applied to people, it can indicate the lowest status, as when Jesus teaches guests to take the lowest place at a banquet (Luke 14:9). In spatial terms, it refers to the farthest reaches of the earth, such as the "ends of the earth" mentioned in Acts 1:8. Temporally, it marks the final phase of history, appearing in phrases like "in the last days" (Acts 2:17) or describing Jesus as the "last Adam" who brings life to completion (1 Corinthians 15:45).
A striking theological use pairs eschatos with prōtos ("first") to describe God’s eternal nature. In Revelation, Christ identifies Himself as the First and the Last (Revelation 1:17), asserting His sovereignty over all history from beginning to end. This usage highlights that the "last" is not merely an endpoint but the culmination of divine purpose, encompassing both judgment and redemption.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word eschatos points to what is final, lowest, or farthest away. In human terms, it often marks a boundary we fear or desire. We might worry about being left out at the end of a line, or feel overwhelmed by the weight of past mistakes. Yet Scripture uses this term to show that God’s vision does not follow our rankings. The one considered last in social status can be elevated, and the one who feels most distant is still within reach.
This word reminds us that history has an end point, but it also reveals a surprising reversal. Jesus speaks of those who are last becoming first, challenging our assumptions about merit and worth. It invites us to trust that God’s justice is not merely about keeping score, but about restoring order and grace. Whether you feel at the beginning or the end of your journey, His purpose holds firm.
Ultimately, eschatos points to the certainty of resurrection and judgment. It assures believers that their lives are not lost in time but are secured until the last day. This hope anchors us when circumstances feel chaotic or unfair. We can rest in the knowledge that the final word belongs to God, who brings life out of death and light out of darkness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 49 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- last31×
- [the] last4×
- [this] last3×
- Last3×
- last;2×
- last,2×
- [the] uttermost part2×
- Last,2×
- latter1×
- last.1×
- last [state]1×
- [these] last1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐσχάτῃ8×
- ἔσχατον7×
- ἔσχατοι7×
- ἐσχάτου5×
- ἔσχατος4×
- ἔσχατα4×
- ἐσχάτων3×
- ἐσχάτη3×
- ἐσχάταις3×
- ἔσχατος,2×
- ἔσχατος·1×
- ἔσχατοι.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 19:30
But many will be last who are first, and first who are last.
This verse establishes the kingdom principle that human rankings are overturned by divine grace.
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John 6:40
This is the will of the one who sent me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”
Here the word anchors the promise of resurrection, linking eternal security to the final day.
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Luke 14:9
and he who invited both of you would come and tell you, ‘Make room for this person.’ Then you would begin, with shame, to take the lowest place.
The term describes the lowest place at a banquet, illustrating the humility Jesus calls for in social interactions.
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Matthew 20:16
So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few are chosen.”
This concluding statement of the parable reinforces that God’s generosity defies human expectations of fairness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does eschatos mean in the New Testament?
How is eschatos different from other words for 'end'?
Why does Jesus talk about being 'last' in the kingdom?
Does eschatos refer only to the end of time?
Every Occurrence (49 verses across 14 books)
Matthew 8 verses
Most certainly I tell you, you shall by no means get out of there until you have paid the last penny.
Matthew 12:45Then he goes and takes with himself seven other spirits more evil than he is, and they enter in and dwell there. The…
Matthew 19:30But many will be last who are first, and first who are last.
Matthew 20:8“When evening had come, the lord of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages,…
Matthew 20:12saying, ‘These last have spent one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and…
Matthew 20:14Take that which is yours, and go your way. It is my desire to give to this last just as much as to you.
Matthew 20:16So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Matthew 27:64Command therefore that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest perhaps his disciples come at night and steal…