Age and the Greek Words Aion and Aionios
by Mark Sanguinetti
In conclusion, let’s look at some more usages of the word aion or age many of which are from the writings of the apostle Paul. As previously explained examining how words are used in context will help our understanding of individually studied words. This will result in an overall increased understanding of the truth of God's Word as researched in biblical versions. Let’s examine scripturally the fundamental truth that when age refers to the workings of man under the rulership of the God of this world, Satan it comes with a time limit. In contrast the age to come will belong to Jesus Christ and his rule of justice and righteousness. When age refers to the workings of God the creator of the heavens and the earth it is often referred to as eternal. The bible shows God who exists eternally. It shows man who lives in a time frame. A time for birth and a time for death. Thanks to Jesus Christ in the future we will have a time for the resurrection of the dead to live with Jesus Christ.
First let’s see some of the other usages of aion or age showing a limited time period. When using the more recent New King James Version, the English word age is now used for the Greek word aion. In the older King James Version for these verses the word world was used for the Greek word aion. Some of these verses are as follows: 1 Corinthians 1:20, 1 Corinthians 2:6-8, 1 Corinthians 3:18, 1 Corinthians 10:11, 2 Corinthians 4:4, Ephesians 1:21, Ephesians 3:9, Ephesians 6:12, Colossians 1:26, 1 Timothy 6:17, Titus 2:12 and Hebrews 9:26.
1 Corinthians 2:6-9
6 However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age (aion), nor of the rulers of this age (aion), who are coming to nothing. 7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages (aion) for our glory, 8 which none of the rulers of this age (aion) knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written:
Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.
NKJV
2 Corinthians 4:3-4
3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age (aion) has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.
NKJV
Ephesians 6:12
12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age (aion), against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
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1 Timothy 6:17
17 Command those who are rich in this present age (aion) not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.
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Here are some of the many verses using the Greek word aion as it relates to God or his Son Jesus Christ as eternal also referred to as forever. In these verses the word aion is translated forever 13 times, eternal 3 times and ever 6 times. Romans 1:25, Romans 11:36, Romans 16:27, 2 Corinthians 9:9, 2 Corinthians 11:31, Ephesians 3:11, Ephesians 3:21, Philippians 4:20, 1 Timothy 1:17, 2 Timothy 4:18, Hebrews 1:8, Hebrews 6:20, Hebrews 7:28, Hebrews 13:8 and Hebrews 13:21.
Ephesians 3:11
11 according to the eternal (aion) purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord,
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Philippians 4:20
20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever (aion) and ever (aion). Amen.
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1 Timothy 1:17
17 Now to the King eternal (aion), immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever (aion) and ever (aion). Amen.
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Hebrews 13:8
8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (aion).
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In the next verses we see the two primary usages of age or aion with one usage showing a limited time period, followed by the next usages showing God as eternal. This is interesting because it shows the two different usages together. The first usage in verse 4 is this present evil age (aion), which has an ending. The next two usages of age (aion) in verse 5 we can see multiple ages and because they relate to God can result in forever or eternal. In looking at the verses as we have seen in this teaching, our hope is that mankind is delivered from this present evil age, which would mean that it is no longer in existence. This deliverance is through our Lord Jesus Christ and is according to the will of our God and Father. For this our God and Father and his Son Jesus Christ would get the glory forever (aion) and ever (aion). As a result we could have eternal salvation for all of mankind through our Lord Jesus Christ. Since God is a God of love, as stated in John 3:16, this would please God the highest and most.
Gal 1:3-5
3 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age (aion), according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be glory forever (aion) and ever (aion). Amen.
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