"a particular period of life; the period fitted for a particular function, prime, Heb. 11:11; full age, years of discretion, Jn. 9:21, 23; perhaps, the whole duration of life, Mt. 6:27; Lk. 12:25; otherwise, stature, Lk. 2:52; 19:3; Eph. 4:13*"
Definition and meaning
a particular period of life; the period fitted for a particular function, prime, Heb. 11:11; full age, years of discretion, Jn. 9:21, 23; perhaps, the whole duration of life, Mt. 6:27; Lk. 12:25; otherwise, stature, Lk. 2:52; 19:3; Eph. 4:13*
In the original Greek the word is written: ἡλικία
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 helikia (G2244) across the King James Bible.
Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?
And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.
And which of you with taking thought can add to his stature one cubit?
And he sought to see Jesus who he was; and could not for the press, because he was little of stature.
But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.
Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
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Common questions
Strong's G2244 (helikia) is a Greek word that means: a particular period of life; the period fitted for a particular function, prime, Heb. 11:11; full age, years of discretion, Jn. 9:21, 23; perhaps, the whole duration of life, Mt. 6:27; Lk. 12:25; othe... It appears 7 times in the King James Bible.
The word helikia (G2244) appears 7 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G2244 is helikia, a Greek word defined as: a particular period of life; the period fitted for a particular function, prime, Heb. 11:11; full age, years of discretion, Jn. 9:21, 23; perhaps, the. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
helikia is a Greek word found in the New Testament.