of uncertain affinity (compare γῆρας); aged:--old.
Transliteration:gérōn
Pronunciation:gher'-own
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word γέρων (gérōn, `{{G1088}}`) primarily denotes an "old man" or an "aged person." Its base definition links it to γῆρας (gēras, `{{G1094}}`), which signifies "old age" or "senility," thereby reinforcing the core meaning of advanced chronological years. The term describes an individual who has reached a significant age, emphasizing the physical state of being old. Unlike some related terms, γέρων does not inherently carry connotations of wisdom, authority, or respect, though these attributes might culturally be associated with old age. Its semantic range is quite narrow, focusing exclusively on the physical characteristic of being aged.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term γέρων (gérōn, `{{G1088}}`) appears only once in the New Testament:
* **[[John 3:4]]**: Nicodemus asks Jesus, "How can a man be born when he is old (γέρων)? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?"
* In this pivotal dialogue concerning spiritual rebirth, Nicodemus, a "ruler of the Jews" (ἄρχων τῶν Ἰουδαίων), uses γέρων to describe someone who has lived a full life and is well past the age of physical birth. His question reveals a literal interpretation of Jesus' words, highlighting the perceived physical impossibility of spiritual regeneration for an aged individual.
* The use of γέρων here underscores the stark contrast between the physical limitations and realities of an aged body and the supernatural, spiritual nature of being "born again" (γεννηθῆναι ἄνωθεν). It frames Nicodemus's humanistic, earth-bound understanding against the divine, heavenly truth Jesus is revealing.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{G1094}}` γῆρας (gēras)**: Directly related, this noun means "old age" or "senility." It describes the state or condition of being old, from which the person (γέρων) derives.
* **`{{G4245}}` πρεσβύτερος (presbyteros)**: While it can mean "older" or "elder," this term often carries the connotation of an office or position of authority within the community or church (e.g., "elder," "presbyter"). While an elder would typically be older, πρεσβύτερος emphasizes status and leadership, whereas γέρων strictly denotes chronological age.
* **`{{G4243}}` πρεσβύτης (presbytēs)**: Similar to πρεσβύτερος, this word also means "an old man" or "elder," often used in a more general sense of advanced age, sometimes with an implied connotation of respect, as seen in [[Titus 2:2]] for "older men."
* **`{{H7867}}` שִׂיבָה (siybah)**: A Hebrew term for "old age" or "gray hair," frequently associated with wisdom and honor in the Old Testament.
* **`{{H2205}}` זָקֵן (zaqen)**: The common Hebrew word for "old man" or "elder," which, like πρεσβύτερος, can also denote a position of authority or wisdom.
* The critical distinction between γέρων and terms like πρεσβύτερος or πρεσβύτης lies in their emphasis: γέρων is purely descriptive of physical age, while the others often carry additional social, moral, or ecclesiastical implications.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of γέρων in [[John 3:4]] serves a profound theological purpose: it highlights the *human impossibility* of spiritual rebirth apart from divine intervention. Nicodemus's question, rooted in the physical reality of an "old man" (γέρων) and his inability to re-enter his mother's womb, underscores the natural man's inability to comprehend or achieve spiritual transformation. This sets the stage for Jesus' teaching on the absolute necessity of being "born of water and the Spirit" ([[John 3:5]]).
The term implicitly contrasts the limitations of the flesh—epitomized by the γέρων—with the boundless, life-giving power of the Holy Spirit. It emphasizes that salvation is not a natural process, a human achievement, or a self-improvement project, but rather a supernatural, divine work of re-creation. While γέρων itself does not inherently carry theological weight beyond its literal meaning of "aged," its strategic placement in this foundational dialogue on new birth makes it a significant marker for understanding the radical and entirely supernatural nature of spiritual regeneration. It underscores that spiritual life is not an extension or continuation of natural life but a complete, divine re-creation.
### Summary
The Greek word γέρων (gérōn, `{{G1088}}`) strictly denotes an "old man" or an "aged person," focusing solely on the physical state of advanced years. Its singular appearance in the New Testament, in [[John 3:4]], is profoundly significant within the context of Jesus' discourse with Nicodemus. Nicodemus's question, "How can a man be born when he is old (γέρων)?" highlights the perceived physical impossibility of spiritual rebirth from a human perspective. This usage serves to emphasize the fundamental distinction between natural human limitations and the supernatural, Spirit-wrought nature of being "born again." Unlike related terms such as πρεσβύτερος (presbyteros, `{{G4245}}`) or πρεσβύτης (presbytēs, `{{G4243}}`), which often carry connotations of office, respect, or wisdom, γέρων remains purely descriptive of age, thereby underscoring the radical, non-natural character of divine regeneration. The presence of γέρων in this key passage thus powerfully frames the necessity of God's sovereign work in salvation, transcending all human capacities and physical constraints.
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