πάλαι
pálai
G3819 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
Originally, 'a long time ago' or 'since long ago,' used to denote a point in the distant past either absolutely (e.g., in antiquity) or relative to a referenced time. In certain contexts, it describes something old or ancient, or refers to a state or action which began in the distant past and continues or is remembered. Rarely, functions adjectivally to signify 'ancient' or 'former.' The adverbial use is primary, but elliptical adjectival usage also appears, especially in formulaic expressions.
Semantic Range
long ago, formerly, in ancient times, of old, a great while ago, from ancient times, since long ago, ancient (elliptical adjectival usage)
Root / Etymology
Related to the root πάλα ('long ago' in Homeric and classical Greek); likely from a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'before, long ago.' Not derived from πάλιν ('again, back'), though the forms are superficially similar.
Historical & Contextual Notes
πάλαι appears in Homer and other early Greek writers as an adverb meaning 'long ago,' often contrasting events of the distant past with more recent or present circumstances. In classical and Hellenistic Greek, retains the sense of 'formerly,' 'in ancient times,' or 'from long before.' In the Septuagint and New Testament, continues to mark temporal remoteness, whether in reference to historical events, prophecies, or established traditions. In elliptical uses (e.g. οἱ πάλαι), refers to 'those of old' or 'people of long ago.' It may be rendered in English as 'formerly,' 'of old,' or 'since a great while.' English translations sometimes obscure the temporal force by using perfunctory expressions ('of old,' 'ancient'), which do not always preserve the sense of 'from an indefinite but remote past.' The word is distinct from πάλιν ('again') in both sense and history.
Translation Consistency
πάλαι is primarily an adverb meaning 'long ago' or 'in former times.' 'Formerly' is a single, natural English adverb that captures the typical sense across contexts (including the occasional elliptical adjectival use as 'former'), so it provides a consistent, easily readable rendering for all occurrences.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably another form for πάλιν (through the idea of retrocession); (adverbially) formerly, or (by relatively) sometime since; (elliptically as adjective) ancient:--any while, a great while ago, (of) old, in time past.
Root Family
πάλαι (palai) — long ago, formerly, anciently
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3819-01 |
πάλαι | palai | ADV |
long ago | long ago | long ago | 7 |
Occurrences in Scripture
7 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G3819-01 |
Matthew 11:21 | πάλαι | palai | ADV |
long ago | long ago | long ago |
G3819-01 |
Mark 15:44 | πάλαι | palai | ADV |
already | long ago | long ago |
G3819-01 |
Luke 10:13 | πάλαι | palai | ADV |
long ago | long ago | long ago |
G3819-01 |
2 Corinthians 12:19 | πάλαι | palai | ADV |
for a long time | long ago | long ago |
G3819-01 |
Hebrews 1:1 | πάλαι | palai | ADV |
long ago | long ago | long ago |
G3819-01 |
2 Peter 1:9 | πάλαι | palai | ADV |
former | long ago | long ago |
G3819-01 |
Jude 1:4 | πάλαι | palai | ADV |
long ago | long ago | long ago |