Eternal (Aiōnios)
αἰώνιος (aiōnios)
Age-lasting and unending — belonging to the realm and quality of God's own life.
Aiōnios is the Greek word for eternal, meaning age-lasting or belonging to the coming age. Eternal life is not merely endless duration but a quality of existence — sharing in the life of God Himself.
"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." — John 17:3 (KJV)
Key Verses
John 17:3
“And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.”Read in context
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”Read in context
Romans 6:23
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's G166 — Eternal (Aiōnios) (αἰώνιος (aiōnios))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where αἰώνιος (aiōnios) appears.
Open Strong's G166Etymology and Original Meaning
Aiōnios derives from aiōn ('age' or 'eon'). It means 'age-lasting,' 'belonging to the age to come,' or 'unending.' But eternal life in Scripture is not merely about duration — living forever. It is about quality — the kind of life that belongs to God's realm. Eternal life is God's own life shared with believers. It begins now and continues without end.
Eternal Life Defined
Jesus defined eternal life relationally: 'This is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ' (John 17:3). Eternal life is knowing God — intimate, personal, experiential relationship with the Creator. It is not merely a ticket to heaven or escape from hell but participation in the life of God Himself. Duration is a consequence; relationship is the essence.
Eternal Life Begins Now
John's Gospel repeatedly states that believers 'have' eternal life — present tense: 'He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life' (John 3:36). Eternal life is not solely a future possession but a present reality. When a person comes to faith, they enter God's life immediately. Death does not begin eternal life — it continues it in uninterrupted fullness.
The Gift of God
Paul contrasts wages and gift: 'The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life' (Romans 6:23). Death is earned; eternal life is given. It cannot be purchased, achieved, or deserved — only received. This is the gospel's radical generosity: the most valuable thing in existence — God's own eternal life — is offered free to anyone who believes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does eternal mean in the Bible?
Eternal (aiōnios) means age-lasting and belonging to God's realm. Eternal life is not merely endless duration but a quality of existence — knowing God personally and sharing in His own life, beginning now and continuing forever.
When does eternal life begin?
Now. Jesus said believers 'have' eternal life in the present tense (John 3:36; 5:24). Eternal life begins the moment a person believes — it is a present possession, not merely a future hope.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Eternal (Aiōnios)"?
John 17:3 — "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent" (KJV). It also appears in John 3:16, Romans 6:23.
Why does the Greek word behind "Eternal (Aiōnios)" matter?
Aiōnios derives from aiōn ('age' or 'eon'). English uses one word, "Eternal (Aiōnios)", where the Greek αἰώνιος (aiōnios) carries the fuller sense: age-lasting and unending — belonging to the realm and quality of god's own life.
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Eternal (Aiōnios) (αἰώνιος (aiōnios))
Age-lasting and unending — belonging to the realm and quality of God's own life.
Strong's G166 — Eternal (Aiōnios)
αἰώνιος (aiōnios) • Age-lasting and unending — belonging to the realm and quality of God's own life.
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John 17:3 Commentary
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John 5:24 Commentary
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