### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **aḯdios**, represented by `{{G126}}`, means **everduring**, translated as **eternal** or **everlasting**. It appears only **2 times** in **2 verses**, highlighting its specific and powerful application. The term signifies a quality that is everduring, whether looking forward and backward in time, or only forward.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical appearances, `{{G126}}` is used to describe two distinct, unending realities. In Romans, it characterizes the nature of God, whose **eternal** power and Godhead have been clearly seen since the creation of the world [[Romans 1:20]]. In Jude, it describes the unending state of punishment for the angels who did not keep their first estate, who are held in **everlasting** chains until the judgment of the great day [[Jude 1:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the concept of permanence:
* `{{G1411}}` **dýnamis** (force... specially, miraculous power...:--...power, strength...): This word for **power** is directly qualified by `{{G126}}` in [[Romans 1:20]], establishing that God's might is an eternal attribute, revealed since creation.
* `{{G1199}}` **desmón** (a band... or shackle...:--...bond, chain...): In [[Jude 1:6]], these **chains** are described as "everlasting," signifying a permanent and inescapable state of confinement for the fallen angels.
* `{{G2217}}` **zóphos** (akin to the base of νέφος; gloom...:--blackness, darkness, mist): This term for **darkness** or gloom describes the environment where the everlasting chains bind the angels, emphasizing the nature of their perpetual punishment [[Jude 1:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G126}}` is significant, establishing concepts of both divine nature and divine judgment.
* **Revelation of God's Eternal Nature:** The term establishes that God's **power** `{{G1411}}` and **Godhead** `{{G2305}}` are eternal attributes. These invisible qualities are clearly understood through the visible **creation** [[Romans 1:20]], leaving humanity "without excuse."
* **The Perpetuity of Divine Judgment:** `{{G126}}` is used to describe the "everlasting chains" holding rebellious **angels** in **darkness**. This points to the unending and inescapable nature of God's judgment upon sin, reserved until the **great day** [[Jude 1:6]].
* **Contrast of Divine and Created States:** The word starkly contrasts God's eternal existence with the fate of created beings who rebel. While God's power is eternally manifest, the punishment for angels who left their "first estate" is also described as everlasting.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G126}}` **aḯdios** is a rare but powerful term used to define that which is without end. Though used only twice, it carries immense theological weight by describing both the eternal nature of God's own power and the everlasting state of judgment reserved for those who rebel against Him. It serves to frame the concepts of divine attribute and divine consequence in terms of unending permanence.
TRV