παλαιός (palaios)
palaios
old
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 15 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective palaios describes something that is old or ancient, but it carries a specific nuance of wear and age. It is not merely a chronological marker; it often implies that an item has been used until it is worn out or no longer effective. This distinction appears when Jesus speaks of patching new wine into old wineskins, where the skins are described as ruined by their age (Luke 5:37).
In the New Testament, palaios frequently stands in contrast to kainos, which means new in quality rather than just time. While kainos suggests freshness and novelty, palaios can suggest obsolescence. This is seen in Paul’s reference to the old self being put off (Ephesians 4:22) or the old covenant that has faded away (2 Corinthians 3:14). The word captures the idea of something past its prime.
Its root relates to time passing, but the lexical data highlights its use for things degraded by use. Translators usually render it simply as "old," yet the context often demands a sense of brokenness or incompatibility with new things. This usage underscores the tension between what was and what is becoming in biblical theology.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word palaios describes something old in a way that highlights its wear and age. It is not just about time passing, but about things becoming worn out or no longer effective. When Jesus spoke of new wine and old wineskins, He showed that what was once useful can become a hindrance to new life.
In our spiritual journey, this word reminds us that some parts of our past need to be released. Paul writes about putting off the 'old man,' referring to habits and ways of thinking that no longer serve God’s purpose. This is not a rejection of history, but an acknowledgment that grace brings renewal.
Understanding this distinction helps us appreciate the freshness of God’s new mercies. It invites us to let go of what is broken or obsolete so we can embrace the vitality found in Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 15 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- old10×
- old;6×
- old.1×
- old,1×
- old [wine]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- παλαιὸν3×
- παλαιούς·3×
- παλαιόν·2×
- παλαιὸς2×
- παλαιὰν2×
- παλαιῷ·1×
- παλαιῷ1×
- παλαιᾷ1×
- παλαιᾶς1×
- παλαιά.¶1×
- παλαιά1×
- παλαιοῦ,1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 9:17
Neither do people put new wine into old wineskins, or else the skins would burst, and the wine be spilled, and the skins ruined. No, they put new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved.”
This verse uses palaios to show that old structures cannot contain new spiritual realities without being destroyed.
-
Romans 6:6
knowing this, that our old man was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be in bondage to sin.
Here the word describes the 'old man' whose life was crucified with Christ, highlighting the end of our former sinful nature.
-
I Corinthians 5:7
Purge out the old yeast, that you may be a new lump, even as you are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, has been sacrificed in our place.
Paul calls believers to purge out old yeast, using the term to represent sin that must be removed for purity.
-
Ephesians 4:22
that you put away, as concerning your former way of life, the old man that grows corrupt after the lusts of deceit,
The word modifies 'man' to describe the corrupt lifestyle that Christians are called to put off.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word palaios mean?
How is palaios different from kainos?
Why did Jesus use old wineskins in His teaching?
Every Occurrence (15 verses across 9 books)
Matthew 3 verses
No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch would tear away from the garment, and a worse…
Matthew 9:17Neither do people put new wine into old wineskins, or else the skins would burst, and the wine be spilled, and the…
Matthew 13:52He said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been made a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who is a…