from the same as ἡλίκος; maturity (in years or size):--age, stature.
Transliteration:hēlikía
Pronunciation:hay-lik-ee'-ah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun G2244 (hēlikía) carries a primary semantic range encompassing two distinct yet related concepts: "age" and "stature." Derived from the same root as `{{G2245}}` (hēlikos, meaning "how great" or "how old"), the word inherently relates to magnitude, whether temporal or physical.
1. **Age/Lifespan:** In this sense, hēlikía refers to a period of life, one's chronological age, or the total duration of one's life. It speaks to the progression through time.
2. **Stature/Height:** Here, hēlikía denotes physical size, particularly height or bodily dimension. It describes the physical growth or development of a person.
The precise nuance of hēlikía in any given passage is heavily dependent on its immediate context, requiring careful exegetical attention to discern whether chronological progression or physical dimension is intended.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G2244 appears in the New Testament with both its literal and a significant metaphorical application:
* **Matthew 6:27 / Luke 12:25:** "And which of you by being anxious can add a single cubit to his *span of life* (hēlikía)?" In these parallel passages, hēlikía clearly refers to the duration or "span of life." The context is Jesus' teaching on anxiety, emphasizing the futility of human worry in altering divinely ordained lifespans. The rhetorical question highlights humanity's inability to control even a small measure of their life's length.
* **Luke 2:52:** "And Jesus increased in wisdom and in *stature* (hēlikía) and in favor with God and man." Here, hēlikía unequivocally signifies physical height or bodily growth. This verse describes the holistic development of the incarnate Christ, affirming His genuine human maturation alongside intellectual and spiritual growth.
* **John 9:21, 23:** "He is of *age* (hēlikía); ask him... He is of *age* (hēlikía); ask him." In the account of the man born blind, hēlikía refers to reaching the age of maturity or accountability. The parents use this phrase to indicate that their son is old enough to speak for himself and bear witness, absolving them of responsibility for his testimony.
* **Ephesians 4:13:** "until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature into a complete man, measuring up to the *fullness of Christ's stature* (hēlikía)." This is the most profound and metaphorical use of hēlikía. It does not refer to physical height or chronological age, but to spiritual maturity and completeness. The goal for the church, both individually and corporately, is to grow into the full measure of Christ's spiritual "stature," reflecting His character, wisdom, and perfection.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding hēlikía is enriched by considering its relationship to other Greek terms:
* **`{{G2245}}` (hēlikos):** The cognate adjective meaning "how great" or "how old," which underscores the dual nature of hēlikía as both quantity (size) and duration (age).
* **`{{G4924}}` (sōma):** Body, often associated with hēlikía when referring to physical growth or stature, as seen in Luke 2:52.
* **`{{G3462}}` (metros):** Measure, meter; relevant to the idea of "measuring up" or "span," particularly in the context of Ephesians 4:13's "fullness of Christ's stature."
* **`{{G837}}` (auxanō):** To grow, increase. This verb often describes the process of growth, whether physical or spiritual, which hēlikía describes as a state or outcome (e.g., "increased in stature").
* **`{{G5048}}` (teleios):** Perfect, complete, mature. This adjective is conceptually linked to the spiritual "maturity" implied by hēlikía in Ephesians 4:13, as believers are called to become "complete men."
* **`{{G3501}}` (neos):** Young, new; `{{G3816}}` (paidion): little child; `{{G3516}}` (nēpios): infant, child. These terms stand in contrast to the concept of mature hēlikía, especially in the spiritual sense, where believers are urged to move beyond spiritual infancy.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of hēlikía is multifaceted, touching upon divine sovereignty, the humanity of Christ, and the imperative for spiritual maturity within the church.
1. **Divine Sovereignty over Life's Duration:** The usage in Matthew and Luke powerfully underscores God's ultimate control over the span of human life. It serves as a strong counter-anxiety argument, reminding believers that even the most fervent worry cannot alter the divine decree concerning one's years. This calls for radical trust in God's providential care.
2. **The Incarnational Reality of Christ:** Luke 2:52 is crucial for understanding the genuine humanity of Jesus. His growth in "stature" (hēlikía) affirms that He was fully human, subject to the natural processes of physical development, just as He grew in wisdom and favor. This detail reinforces the doctrine of the Incarnation, highlighting that Christ was truly "flesh and blood" (`{{G4561}}` sarx kai haima), not merely appearing human.
3. **The Call to Spiritual Maturity:** The most profound theological application of hēlikía is found in Ephesians 4:13. Here, the concept is lifted from the physical and chronological realms into the spiritual. The "fullness of Christ's stature" represents the ultimate goal of Christian growth – both individually and corporately. It is a call for believers to move beyond spiritual immaturity (`{{G3516}}` nēpioi) and become "complete men" (`{{G5046}}` teleios anēr), fully reflecting the character, knowledge, and unity found in Christ. This signifies a church that is robust, discerning, and unified, equipped to withstand doctrinal winds and live out its calling effectively.
### Summary
The Greek word G2244 (hēlikía) is a rich term with a dual primary meaning: "age" or "lifespan," and "stature" or "physical height." While its literal uses affirm divine sovereignty over human life and the genuine humanity of Jesus, its metaphorical application in Ephesians 4:13 carries profound theological weight. In this context, hēlikía transcends the physical to denote spiritual maturity, urging believers to grow into the "fullness of Christ's stature." Thus, hēlikía speaks to both the temporal and physical dimensions of human existence under God's sovereignty, culminating in the spiritual imperative for the church to attain complete Christlikeness.
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