### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **hēlikía**, represented by `{{G2244}}`, refers to **maturity**, either in years or in size. It is used in scripture to mean both **age** and **stature**. It appears **8 times** across **8 unique verses**, carrying a dual meaning that encompasses both physical and developmental states.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G2244}}` describes both literal and figurative growth. It refers to physical height, as when Zacchaeus "was little of **stature**" [[Luke 19:3]] and when Jesus "increased in wisdom and **stature**" [[Luke 2:52]]. The word also denotes a person's age or maturity in years. For example, the parents of the man born blind state, "He is of **age**; ask him" ([[John 9:21]], [[John 9:23]]), and Sara is described as being "past **age**" when she received strength to conceive [[Hebrews 11:11]]. Figuratively, it points to spiritual maturity, as in the goal for believers to reach "the measure of the **stature** of the fulness of Christ" [[Ephesians 4:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the concepts of growth and maturity associated with `{{G2244}}`:
* `{{G4298}}` **prokóptō** (to advance...to grow): This verb is used to describe Jesus's development, stating that he **increased** in wisdom and stature [[Luke 2:52]].
* `{{G3309}}` **merimnáō** (to be anxious about): This word highlights human limitation in the context of physical stature, as Jesus asks who "by **taking thought** can add one cubit unto his stature" [[Matthew 6:27]].
* `{{G4083}}` **pēchys** (a cubit): This is the specific unit of measure that one cannot add to their stature through worry, linking the concept of size directly to a physical measurement [[Luke 12:25]].
* `{{G5046}}` **téleios** (complete...perfect): This word describes the goal of Christian maturity, appearing in the same verse as `{{G2244}}` to define the objective as growing into a "**perfect** man" [[Ephesians 4:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2244}}` lies in its application to both human life and spiritual development.
* **Human Limitations:** The word is used to show the futility of anxiety. A person cannot physically alter their **stature** through worry, teaching a lesson on trusting God for life's provisions [[Matthew 6:27]].
* **Divine Possibility:** In contrast to human limits, God's power is shown to work beyond natural "age." Sara's ability to conceive when she was "past **age**" demonstrates that faith can receive divine strength that supersedes physical maturity or decay [[Hebrews 11:11]].
* **Spiritual Maturity:** The ultimate use of `{{G2244}}` is metaphorical. It sets a spiritual goal for the church to grow into the unified "measure of the **stature** of the fulness of Christ," shifting the focus from physical size to corporate spiritual completeness [[Ephesians 4:13]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2244}}` is a versatile word that signifies both **age** and **stature**. While it is used to describe literal physical attributes and stages of life, its most profound application is in defining the believers' collective journey toward spiritual maturity. It illustrates how a common-sense concept of physical growth can be elevated to express the highest spiritual aspirations of the Christian faith.
TRV