### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἄκρον (`{{G206}}`, transliterated *ákron*) is a neuter noun derived from an adjective likely akin to the base of ἀκμήν (*akmē*), which signifies a point, peak, or prime. Its core meaning denotes "the extremity," "tip," "top," or "end" of something. It consistently refers to the outermost part, the furthest point, or the culminating edge of an object or area. This can be understood in a literal, spatial sense, describing a physical boundary or apex.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ákron (`{{G206}}`) appears several times in the New Testament, each instance underscoring its meaning of "extremity" within its specific context:
* In [[Matthew 24:31]] and [[Mark 13:27]], ákron is used in the plural, "ἀκρῶν" (*akrōn*), in the phrase "from one end of heaven to the other" or "from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven." Here, it signifies the comprehensive, global, and cosmic scope of the gathering of God's elect by the angels at Christ's return, emphasizing that no one will be left out, regardless of their location.
* In [[Luke 16:24]], within the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man pleads for Lazarus to dip the "tip" (τὸ ἄκρον) of his finger in water to cool his tongue. This usage highlights the precise, minute end of a digit, emphasizing the rich man's desperate and minimal request for relief from torment.
* [[John 19:23]] describes Jesus' tunic as "woven from the top (ἐκ τῶν ἄνωθεν) throughout" (δι᾽ ὅλου). While the specific word ákron is not present here, the phrase "from the top" (ἄνωθεν) captures a similar sense of beginning from the highest point, leading to a seamless garment. Some textual variants or interpretations of the base definition might link ákron to this concept of the garment's "top" or "beginning point" of weave. The seamless nature of the tunic is often noted for its symbolic significance.
* In [[Hebrews 11:21]], in the account of Jacob's faith, it is stated that "by faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and worshiped, leaning on the top (ἐπὶ τὸ ἄκρον) of his staff." This depicts Jacob's physical weakness in old age, yet his continued worship and reliance on God even at the "end" of his life, symbolized by his staff. The Septuagint uses ákron to translate the Hebrew matteh (`{{H4294}}`) in similar contexts.
### Related Words & Concepts
Ákron (`{{G206}}`) is etymologically related to ἀκμήν (*akmē*), which denotes a "point," "peak," or "prime," reinforcing the idea of an apex or culminating point. Other Greek terms that convey concepts of "end" or "limit" include ἔσχατος (*eschatos*, `{{G2078}}`), meaning "last" or "uttermost," often referring to temporal or positional extremes. While eschatos can denote the finality of a series, ákron more specifically describes a physical boundary or tip. In the Old Testament, Hebrew equivalents for "end" or "extremity" often include קָצֶה (*qāṣeh*, `{{H7097}}` or `{{H7098}}`), which the Septuagint frequently renders with ákron or similar terms, particularly when referring to the "ends of the earth." The concept of "boundaries" or "limits" is inherent in the meaning of ákron, as it defines the edge or furthest extent of something.
### Theological Significance
Though primarily a spatial descriptor, ákron (`{{G206}}`) carries significant theological implications within its biblical contexts. In the eschatological passages of Matthew and Mark, the "uttermost parts of the earth" (ἀκρῶν τῆς γῆς) underscore the universal reach of God's redemptive plan and the comprehensive nature of Christ's return. It signifies that the gathering of the elect will be exhaustive, encompassing believers from every corner of the globe, demonstrating God's sovereign power and all-encompassing grace.
In the parable of the rich man and Lazarus ([[Luke 16:24]]), the "tip of a finger" serves to emphasize the rich man's absolute state of torment and deprivation in the afterlife, where even the most minimal relief is denied. This detail highlights the unbridgeable chasm between the saved and the lost, and the finality and severity of divine judgment.
Jacob's worship "leaning on the top of his staff" ([[Hebrews 11:21]]) is presented as an act of profound faith. The physical weakness implied by his reliance on the staff contrasts sharply with the strength of his spiritual devotion. This scene illustrates that true worship is not contingent on physical vigor but on a heart trusting in God's promises, even at the "end" of one's earthly life. It is an act of faith that transcends physical limitations.
### Summary
Ákron (`{{G206}}`) is a Greek noun signifying "extremity," "tip," "top," or "end." Its New Testament occurrences consistently denote the outermost or culminating point of a physical object or geographical area. Contextually, it describes the universal scope of God's salvific work in the gathering of the elect, the minute detail of a finger's tip in the parable of Lazarus, and Jacob's faithful worship in his old age. While fundamentally a spatial descriptor, ákron (`{{G206}}`) contributes to profound theological themes such as the universality of salvation, the finality of judgment, and the nature of enduring faith. It serves as a testament to how even seemingly simple descriptive words can carry significant spiritual and doctrinal weight within the inspired biblical narrative.
TRV