"old, ancient, of former age, Mt. 5:21, 33; of long standing, old, veteran, Acts 21:16; ἀφ’ ἡμερῶν ἀρχαίων, from early days, from an early period, of the Gospel, Acts 15:7"
Definition and meaning
old, ancient, of former age, Mt. 5:21, 33; of long standing, old, veteran, Acts 21:16; ἀφ’ ἡμερῶν ἀρχαίων, from early days, from an early period, of the Gospel, Acts 15:7
In the original Greek the word is written: ἀρχαῖος
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of archaios (G744) across the King James Bible.
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery:
Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:
And of some, that Elias had appeared; and of others, that one of the old prophets was risen again.
They answering said, John the Baptist; but some say, Elias; and others say, that one of the old prophets is risen again.
And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.
For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day.
There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;
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Common questions
Strong's G744 (archaios) is a Greek word that means: old, ancient, of former age, Mt. 5:21, 33; of long standing, old, veteran, Acts 21:16; ἀφ’ ἡμερῶν ἀρχαίων, from early days, from an early period, of the Gospel, Acts 15:7 It appears 12 times in the King James Bible.
The word archaios (G744) appears 12 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G744 is archaios, a Greek word defined as: old, ancient, of former age, Mt. 5:21, 33; of long standing, old, veteran, Acts 21:16; ἀφ’ ἡμερῶν ἀρχαίων, from early days, from an early period, of t. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
archaios is a Greek word found in the New Testament.