αἰών

The Greek noun aiṓn has a broad semantic range, encompassing temporal concepts from a specific age or epoch to eternity, and also extending to the physical world or creation. In classical Greek, it originally referred to a life-span, then came to mean a prolonged period or age. In the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament, aiṓn frequently translates the Hebrew word 'olam (H5769), which similarly carries meanings of an age, indefinite time, or eternity. This background is crucial for understanding its use in the New Testament.

In the New Testament, aiṓn can denote a distinct period of time, such as the "present age" (e.g., 1 Corinthians 2:6) or the "age to come" (e.g., Luke 18:30). These distinctions often carry eschatological significance, contrasting the imperfect present reality with a future, perfected state under God's reign. The phrase "for ever and ever" (eis tous aiōnas tōn aiōnōn) is a common expression in doxologies and declarations of God's eternal nature or the perpetuity of Christ's reign (e.g., Hebrews 13:21; Revelation 1:6). This usage emphasizes unending duration, highlighting the limitless nature of God's existence and sovereignty.

Beyond temporal duration, aiṓn can also signify the "world" or the created order (e.g., Hebrews 11:3). In this sense, it refers to the entirety of the cosmos, often in contrast to God as its creator. The "princes of this world" (1 Corinthians 2:6) refers to the governing powers or spiritual forces aligned against God within the present corrupted order. The idea of the "end of the age" (e.g., Matthew 24:3) points to a future climactic event that will bring the current temporal order to its conclusion and usher in the age to come. The Messianic period, both present and future, is a significant aspect of its Jewish usage, particularly in describing the transformative era inaugurated by Christ.