### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **árchomai**, represented by `{{G756}}`, serves as a key term for **to commence** or **(rehearse from the) begin(-ning)**. It appears **84 times** across **84 unique verses** in the Bible, indicating its role in marking the start of an action, event, or discourse. As the middle voice of ἄρχω, it implies the commencement of something in order of time.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G756}}` is used to mark pivotal starting points. Jesus’s public ministry is often introduced with this word, as he **began** to preach repentance [[Matthew 4:17]] and **began** to teach his disciples about his impending suffering [[Mark 8:31]]. It also signifies the commencement of specific, significant actions, such as the disciples who **began** to speak with other tongues at Pentecost [[Acts 2:4]] or Jesus, who **began** to wash the disciples’ feet [[John 13:5]]. The word is also used to establish a starting point for instruction, as seen when Jesus expounded the scriptures **beginning** at Moses [[Luke 24:27]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context in which an action commences:
* `{{G1321}}` **didáskō** (to teach): This verb is often initiated by `{{G756}}`, signifying the start of Jesus's instructional ministry to his disciples and the crowds ([[Mark 8:31]], [[Mark 6:34]]).
* `{{G3004}}` **légō** (to say): Frequently paired with `{{G756}}`, this word marks the beginning of a specific discourse, prophecy, or declaration ([[Matthew 11:7]], [[Luke 11:29]]).
* `{{G575}}` **apó** (from): This preposition often works with `{{G756}}` to establish the precise starting point of a sequence, whether in time, scripture, or location, as in "**beginning** from Galilee" [[Luke 23:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G756}}` lies in the pivotal moments it introduces.
* **Initiation of Divine Work:** The word frequently marks the start of God’s redemptive actions. Jesus **began** his ministry of preaching and teaching [[Matthew 4:17]], and the Holy Spirit’s work on Pentecost **began** with speaking in tongues [[Acts 2:4]]. It also signals the start of Jesus revealing the necessity of his suffering and resurrection [[Matthew 16:21]].
* **Marking a Point of Origin:** `{{G756}}` is crucial for establishing the starting point for key theological concepts. The preaching of repentance and remission of sins was to **begin** at Jerusalem [[Luke 24:47]]. The book of Acts is framed as a continuation of all that Jesus **began** to do and teach [[Acts 1:1]].
* **The Start of Judgment and Accountability:** The term is used to define the starting point for divine judgment, which must **begin** at the house of God [[1 Peter 4:17]]. It also marks the beginning of human response to conviction, as those who heard Jesus **began** to leave one by one, starting from the eldest [[John 8:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G756}}` **árchomai** is more than a simple temporal marker; it is a word that signals the commencement of significant divine and human action. From the start of Jesus’s ministry [[Matthew 4:17]] to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit [[Acts 2:4]] and the beginning of judgment [[1 Peter 4:17]], it establishes the starting point for some of the most crucial events in scripture. It functions as a key structural word that initiates narrative, discourse, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
TRV