### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **palaiós**, represented by `{{G3820}}`, refers to that which is **antique**, not recent, or worn out. It appears **19 times** across **15 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is used to describe things that are old in a sense of being obsolete, corrupt, or belonging to a former, superseded state.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G3820}}` is frequently used metaphorically to contrast a former way of life with the new reality in Christ. It describes the "**old** man," representing the corrupt, sinful nature that believers are to put off ([[Ephesians 4:22]], [[Colossians 3:9]]). It is also used in parables to illustrate incompatibility, such as putting new wine into **old** bottles [[Mark 2:22]] or a new patch on an **old** garment [[Matthew 9:16]], which results in a worse tear. The term also refers to the **old** testament [[2 Corinthians 3:14]] and the **old** commandment which was the word heard from the beginning [[1 John 2:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide contrast and context to the concept of being old or worn out:
* `{{G2537}}` **kainós** (new): This word denotes newness in freshness. It is often used in contrast to `{{G3820}}`, such as with the **old** commandment which is not a **new** commandment [[1 John 2:7]] or the incompatibility of new wine and **old** bottles [[Mark 2:22]].
* `{{G3501}}` **néos** (new, young): Referring to newness in terms of age, this word stands in opposition to what is **old**, like the **new** wine that bursts **old** bottles [[Mark 2:22]] or the **new** lump that replaces the **old** leaven [[1 Corinthians 5:7]].
* `{{G444}}` **ánthrōpos** (man): As a human being, this word is used with `{{G3820}}` to form the theological concept of the "**old** man," representing the former sinful nature [[Romans 6:6]].
* `{{G2219}}` **zýmē** (leaven): This word describes the "**old** leaven" of malice and wickedness that believers are instructed to purge out [[1 Corinthians 5:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3820}}` is significant, often representing that which has been superseded by Christ's work.
* **The Old Self:** The concept of the "**old** man" refers to the unregenerate, sinful nature that is crucified with Christ [[Romans 6:6]] and must be put off by believers as part of their former conversation ([[Ephesians 4:22]], [[Colossians 3:9]]).
* **Incompatibility of Systems:** Parables of the **old** garment and **old** wineskins illustrate that the new life in Christ cannot be merely added to former ways; the old structures are unable to contain the new reality, leading to ruin ([[Matthew 9:16]], [[Mark 2:22]]).
* **Spiritual Corruption:** `{{G3820}}` is linked to spiritual impurity, as seen in the command to purge out the "**old** leaven" of malice and wickedness [[1 Corinthians 5:8]], contrasting it with the unleavened sincerity and truth of the new life.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3820}}` **palaiós** is a term rich with theological meaning, extending beyond simple age. It typically denotes what is worn out, obsolete, or belongs to a superseded spiritual state. Through its use in describing the "**old** man," "**old** leaven," and "**old** wineskins," the word serves as a powerful biblical illustration of the corrupt former life that is replaced by the newness found in Christ.
TRV