English · KJV

G1 Α A

Greek · Noun /al'-fah/ Audio pronunciations are computer-generated and may not be fully accurate. Provided as a convenience only.

Ask about this word

verses
4
of 27 books
1
forms
2
KJV rendering
1
Verses dated AD 96, during The Revelation
5 BCAD 96
Rootof Hebrew origin
Meaningthe first letter of the alphabet; figuratively, only (from its use as a numeral) the first
KJV usageAlpha
NoteOften used (usually ἀν before a vowel) also in composition (as a contraction from ἄνευ) in the sense of privation; so, in many words, beginning with this letter; occasionally in the sense of union (as a contraction of ἅμα).

Context

Select a name to see only its verses.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word Alpha, represented by G1, is the first letter of the alphabet. It is found in the book of Revelation. Figuratively, it denotes being the first, a title used by the Lord to express His eternal nature and absolute sovereignty.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its biblical usage, A always appears alongside G5598 Omega in the divine declaration “I am Alpha and Omega”. This title is claimed by “the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty” Revelation 1:8. The phrase is consistently expanded upon with parallel titles, emphasizing comprehensive sovereignty. For instance, it is equated with “the beginning and the end” (Revelation 21:6, Revelation 22:13) and “the first and the last” (Revelation 1:11, Revelation 22:13).

Theological Significance

The theological weight of A is expressed through its consistent use as a divine self-declaration.

  • Declaration of Sovereignty: By identifying as the Alpha, the Lord claims to be the absolute first and the ultimate source. This title establishes His supreme authority over all creation and history Revelation 1:8.
  • Eternal Nature: The use of A in the phrase “Alpha and Omega” frames the eternal existence of God, who is described as “which is, and which was, and which is to come” Revelation 1:8. It signifies an existence that precedes and succeeds all things.
  • Completeness: When paired with its counterparts like Omega G5598, the end G5056, and the last G2078, Alpha signifies completeness. The title communicates that God is not only the starting point but also the consummation of all things Revelation 22:13.

Summary

In summary, A Alpha is far more than the first letter of the Greek alphabet. In scripture, it functions as a profound divine title. It establishes the Lord as the absolute first, the beginning, and the ultimate source of all things. When paired with Omega, it conveys a message of complete and eternal sovereignty, encompassing everything from beginning to end. This title, found exclusively in Revelation, is a cornerstone for understanding the nature of the God who is, and was, and is to come Revelation 1:8.

Formed from this word 155

Mentioned in the study 5

What the study says

Several related words provide context for the absolute nature of this divine title:

  • G5598 Ō: The final letter of the Greek alphabet, always used in conjunction with A to form the complete title “Alpha and Omega,” signifying beginning and end (Revelation 1:8, Revelation 21:6).
  • G746 archḗ (a commencement... beginning): This term is paired with Alpha to define the Lord as the absolute beginning of all things Revelation 22:13.
  • G5056 télos (conclusion... end(-ing)): As the counterpart to archē, this word signifies the final end or conclusion, a title also claimed by the Lord Revelation 21:6.
  • G4413 prōtos (foremost... first): Used to reinforce the meaning of Alpha, identifying the speaker as the first in all things Revelation 1:11.
  • G2078 éschatos (farthest, final... last): This term serves as the counterpart to prōtos, completing the description of divine sovereignty from beginning to end by identifying Him as the last Revelation 22:13.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.