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religion · Shared topic · Revision 0

Does *aionios* mean "eternal" or "of an age"?

What Does \"Aionios\" Mean: Eternal, or Of an Age?

Starting explanation, not independently reviewed

The current answer

One adjective, two defensible readings, and a Greek that refuses to choose

What remains uncertain

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Claims & evidence

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Aionios (αἰώνιος) is the adjective built on aiōn, "age", the root behind English eon.

Imported citation, not independently checked: I. Ramelli and D. Konstan, Terms for Eternity (2007)

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In Matthew 25:46 the goats depart to kolasin aiōnion and the righteous to zōēn aiōnion, "eternal punishment" and "eternal life," the same adjective governing both nouns.

Imported citation, not independently checked: Matthew 25:46

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The New Testament writers learned their Greek scriptures from the Septuagint, and there aiōnios is the standard rendering of Hebrew olam, and olam is famously elastic.

Imported citation, not independently checked: Septuagint; Genesis 17:8; Exodus 12:14; Jonah 2:6

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Aionios can mean everlasting or age-belonging; its etymology alone does not settle the duration of punishment.

Imported citation, not independently checked: I. Ramelli and D. Konstan, Terms for Eternity (2007)

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