Eternal (166) (aionios from aion) means existing at all times, perpetual, pertaining to an unlimited duration of time (Ro 1:20 - God's power, Mt 18:8 - God's place of judgment, Ro 16:26 - God's attribute).
Aionios (eternal) is the exact antithesis of proskairos (temporal).
Thayer modified and summarized...
(1) without beginning or end, that which always has been and always will be: Ro 16:26, He 9:14.
In the Septuagint (LXX) aionios is used for everlasting (Hebrew = olam) referring to God - Ge 21:33, Is 26:4, Is 40:28, to His Covenant - Ge 9:16, Ge 17:7, 13, 19, Lv 24:8, Nu 18:19 2Sa 23:5, 1Ch 16:17, Ps 105:10, Is 24:5, Is 55:3, Is 61:8, Jer 32:40, Jer 50:5, Ezek 16:60, Ezek 37:26 (See related study - New Covenant in the Old Testament)
(2) Without beginning: Ro 16:25, 2Ti 1:9, Titus 1:2, Rev 14:6 = a gospel whose subject-matter is eternal, i. e., the saving purpose of God adopted from eternity)
(3) Without end, never to cease, everlasting: Eternal describes a number of entities in the NT -- kingdom = 2Pe 1:11, glory = 2Co 4:17 2Ti 2:10, 1Pe 5:10; inheritance = He 9:15; redemption = He 9:12; comfort = 2Th 2:16; dwelling places = Lk 16:9, 2Co 5:1; salvation = He 5:9; punishment = Mt 25:46; destruction = 2Th 1:9; judgment = He 6:2; sin = Mk 3:29; . For eternal life see 41 uses below).
Mounce
This adjective typically functions in three settings: the eternity of God and the divine realm; the blessings of salvation; and everlasting conditions that have neither beginning nor end.
Aionios is used most often with life - See eternal life in Mt 19:16, 29; 25:46; Mk 10:17, 30" class="scriptRef">30; Lk 10:25; 18:18, 30; John 3:15, 16, 36; 4:14; 5:24, 39; 6:27, 40, 47, 54, 68; 10:28; 12:50; 17:2, ; 13.46" class="scriptRef">Acts 13:46, 48; Ro 2:7; 5:21; 6:22, 23; Gal 6:8; 1Ti 1:16; 6:12; Titus 1:2; 3:7; 1Jn 1:2; 2:25; 3:15; 5:11, 13, 20; Jude 1:21
Aionios - 71x in 69v - Mt 18:8; 16" class="scriptRef">19:16, 29; 25:41, 46; Mark 3:29; 10:17, 30" class="scriptRef">30; 16:8; Lk 10:25; 16:9; 18:18, 30; 36" class="scriptRef">36" class="scriptRef">Jn 3:15f, 36; 4:14, 36; 5:24, 39; 6:27, 40, 47, 54, 68; 10:28; 12:25, 50; 17:2f; 13.46" class="scriptRef">Acts 13:46, 48; Ro 2:7; 21" class="scriptRef">5:21; 6:22f; 16:25f; 2 Cor 4:17f; 5:1; Gal 6:8; 2 Thess 1:9; 2:16; 1 Tim 1:16; 6:12, 16; 2Ti 1:9; 2:10; Titus 1:2; 3:7; Philemon 1:15; He 5:9; 6:2; 9:12, 14f; 13:20; 1 Pet 5:10; 2Pe 1:11; 1Jn 1:2; 2:25; 3:15; 5:11, 13, 20; Jude 1:7, 21; Rev 14:6
One definition of eternal is without beginning or end of existence, but in the present passage this glory has a beginning. Once worked out, this glory will be everlasting and endless.
Illustration - Over the triple doorways of the Cathedral of Milan there are three inscriptions spanning the splendid arches. Over one is carved a beautiful wreath of roses, and underneath is the legend, “All that which pleases is but for a moment.” Over the other is sculptured a cross, and there are the words, “All that which troubles us is but for a moment.” But underneath the great central entrance to the main aisle is the inscription, “That only is important which is eternal.” If we realize these three truths, we will not let trifles trouble us, nor be interested so much in the passing pageants of the hour. We would live, as we do not now, for the permanent and eternal (2Corinthians 4:17-18).
Unlike the sign, the limits to the weight of glory to be ours throughout eternity is so great that it is immeasurable! This great truth should strengthen you for the good fight of faith so that "When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives (you)...don't resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends!" (Phillips Translation - Jas 1:2)!
Thomas Watson
The weight adds to the worth. The weightier a crown of gold is, the more it is worth.
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Greek Word Studies ( - )
Read freely Greek Word Studies from the Austin Precept text commentary of the Bible in text and pdf format. Precept Austin is an online free dynamic bible commentary similar to wikipedia with updated content and many links to excellent biblical resources around the world. You can browse the entire collection of Commentaries by Verse on the Precept Austin website.We have been "bought with a price" to be "ambassadors for Christ" and our "salvation is nearer to us than when we believed" so let us "cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" "so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming." (1Cor 6:20, 2Cor 5:20, Ro 13:11, 2Cor 7:1, 1Jn 2:28)