παλαιότης (palaiotēs)
palaiotēs
oldness
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun palaiotēs translates simply as "oldness" or an obsolete state. It derives from palaios, meaning ancient or worn out, and describes a condition that has passed its useful life. In Scripture, this word appears only once, in Romans 7:6, where it contrasts sharply with the freshness of spiritual vitality.
Paul uses it to characterize existence under the Mosaic law, which he calls serving in the "oldness of the letter." This phrasing suggests a rigid, external adherence to rules that lacks inner life. The term implies something stale or outdated, no longer capable of producing the fruit of the Spirit.
Translators often render this as "old way" or "obsolete manner" to capture the sense of a discontinued era. The word highlights the transition from a formalistic religious structure to a new existence empowered by the Spirit. It marks the end of an old covenantal framework in favor of a living, dynamic relationship with God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word palaiotēs appears only once in the New Testament, found in Romans 7:6. Paul uses it to describe a state of being worn out or obsolete. He contrasts this "oldness" with the fresh vitality of the Spirit. It points to a rigid adherence to rules that lacks inner life and power.
This passage invites us to see our faith not as a checklist of duties, but as a living relationship. When we rely on external standards alone, our hearts can become heavy and stale. The gospel offers a different way—one powered by the Spirit rather than mere letter.
God desires to renew your daily walk with Him. Instead of carrying the weight of old forms, you are invited into a fresh start. This newness brings freedom and joy that rules alone cannot provide.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- in oldness1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- παλαιότητι1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 7:6
But now we have been discharged from the law, having died to that in which we were held; so that we serve in newness of the spirit, and not in oldness of the letter.
This verse uses palaiotēs to describe the obsolete, letter-based existence under the law that believers have died to.