γῆρας
gēras
G1094 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Old age; the state or condition of being advanced in years, typically marked by physical decline associated with the later stages of life. In wider usage, it may refer generally to the period or process of aging, as well as venerable or respected age.
Semantic Range
old age, the state of being elderly, senescence, decline associated with aging, period of physical or mental decline
Root / Etymology
From the root γερ- ('old, elder'); related to γέρων ('elder, old man'). The term is not a derivative but shares the base root γερ- indicating age or oldness; see also cognate forms in related Indo-European languages.
Historical & Contextual Notes
γῆρας appears in both classical and later Greek to designate the period of later life, often with a neutral or even positive connotation emphasizing experience and respect, though it can also denote the frailty and limitations associated with aging. In epic and classical Greek, it is commonly used both for people and metaphorically for decline in other spheres (e.g., of buildings or institutions). In the Septuagint and New Testament contexts, it tends to emphasize the natural course of human life and sometimes serves as a marker of respectability or authority when associated with elders (as in the related term γέρων). English 'old age' generally captures the physical aspect but sometimes misses the cultural associations of honor, dignity, or decline possible in γῆρας. Unlike γέρων ('elder'), which refers to a person, γῆρας always denotes the state or quality (age) itself. There is little evidence for the term acquiring specific religious or moral connotations in Koine Greek.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
akin to γέρων; senility:--old age.
Root Family
γῆρας (gēras) — old age, advanced years, senescence
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1094-01 |
γήρει | gerei | N DAT N SG |
old age | in old age | old age | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1094-01 |
Luke 1:36 | γήρει | gerei | N DAT N SG |
old age | in old age | old age |