### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb γηράσκω (gēráskō) derives directly from the noun γῆρας (gēras), which signifies "old age" or "senility." At its core, γηράσκω means "to grow old," "to become aged," or "to wax old." It describes the process of aging, emphasizing the gradual progression through time towards the natural conclusion of a lifespan, often implying a decline in physical vigor or a movement towards obsolescence. Unlike terms that simply denote the state of being old, γηράσκω focuses on the dynamic process of becoming old. Its semantic range extends beyond the purely biological to encompass the wearing out or becoming antiquated of non-living entities or systems.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word γηράσκω (gēráskō) appears only twice in the New Testament, yet each occurrence carries profound theological weight.
* **[[John 21:18]]**: "Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and bring you where you do not wish to go."
* In this passage, Jesus prophesies the manner of Peter's death, implying martyrdom. The phrase "when you grow old" (γηράσκω) refers to the natural physical aging process. It highlights the transition from youthful independence and self-determination to a state of vulnerability, dependence, and eventual submission to external forces, culminating in death for Christ's sake. The use of γηράσκω here underscores the reality of human mortality and the ultimate sovereignty of God over the circumstances of one's life and death, even for His most devoted followers.
* **[[Hebrews 8:13]]**: "When He said, 'A new covenant,' He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear."
* Here, γηράσκω is employed metaphorically to describe the Old Covenant. It is used in conjunction with παλαιόω (palaióō), meaning "to make old" or "to become obsolete." The Old Covenant is depicted not as inherently flawed but as "growing old" and "becoming obsolete" in light of the superior New Covenant established through Christ. This metaphorical aging signifies its temporary nature, its fulfillment, and its impending replacement by something new and eternal. It speaks to a divine progression in salvation history, where the former, though divinely instituted, serves its purpose and gives way to the ultimate and perfect revelation in Jesus Christ.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **γῆρας (gēras):** The noun meaning "old age" or "senility," from which γηράσκω is derived. It represents the state that γηράσκω describes the process of achieving.
* **πρεσβύτερος (presbyteros) `{{G4245}}` / πρεσβύτης (presbytēs) `{{G4246}}`:** These terms refer to "older" individuals or "elders," often denoting a status or position associated with age and wisdom. While γηράσκω is the process of aging, these words describe the state of being aged or holding a position of seniority.
* **παλαιόω (palaióō) `{{G3822}}`:** "To make old, to declare old, to become old, to wear out." This verb is notably paired with γηράσκω in [[Hebrews 8:13]], emphasizing the idea of obsolescence and decay. While γηράσκω refers to natural aging, παλαιόω often implies becoming worn out, antiquated, or superseded.
* **φθορά (phthora) `{{G5356}}`:** "Decay, corruption, destruction." The process of γηράσκω ultimately points to the broader concept of decay and the perishable nature of all things subject to time, leading towards φθορά.
* **ἀποθνῄσκω (apothnēskō) `{{G599}}`:** "To die." The natural end point of the process of γηράσκω for living beings.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of γηράσκω is multifaceted, touching upon both human existence and divine redemptive history.
1. **Human Mortality and God's Sovereignty:** In its literal sense, as seen in [[John 21:18]], γηράσκω underscores the reality of human finitude and the natural progression of life towards physical decline and death. It serves as a stark reminder that all human beings, regardless of their strength or spiritual fervor, are subject to the limitations of time and the body. This passage, specifically in its prophetic context regarding Peter's martyrdom, also highlights God's ultimate sovereignty over the circumstances of life and death, even in the face of suffering. It calls believers to trust in God's plan, acknowledging that even in weakness and dependence, His purposes can be fulfilled.
2. **The Progression of Covenants and Divine Fulfillment:** The metaphorical use of γηράσκω in [[Hebrews 8:13]] is profoundly significant for understanding the relationship between the Old and New Covenants. The Old Covenant is not condemned as evil but described as "growing old" and "obsolete," indicating a divine progression in God's redemptive plan. This signifies that the Old Covenant served its preparatory purpose and has been fulfilled and superseded by the New Covenant in Christ, which is superior, everlasting, and brings about perfect salvation. This illustrates God's dynamic and progressive revelation, assuring believers that the ultimate and final truth is found in Christ, rendering previous dispensations complete and no longer binding.
### Summary
The Greek verb γηράσκω (gēráskō) means "to grow old" or "to wax old," denoting the process of aging and eventual decline. Its two New Testament occurrences offer rich theological insights. In [[John 21:18]], it underscores the reality of human mortality, physical vulnerability, and God's sovereignty over the circumstances of life and death, particularly in the context of Peter's prophetic martyrdom. In [[Hebrews 8:13]], it is used metaphorically to describe the Old Covenant "growing old" and becoming obsolete, signifying its temporary nature and divine fulfillment through the superior and everlasting New Covenant established by Jesus Christ. Thus, γηράσκω serves as a powerful linguistic tool to articulate both the natural trajectory of human life towards its end and the progressive unfolding of God's redemptive plan, where the old gives way to the new and eternal.
TRV