γηράσκω
gēráskō
G1095 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To grow old; to become aged, to advance in age. The verb conveys the process of aging physically, with particular reference to the natural progression towards old age. In various contexts, it may emphasize the onset or visible signs of old age, or simply denote the passage of time marked by increasing years.
Semantic Range
to grow old, to advance in age, to enter old age, to become senescent
Root / Etymology
From the noun γῆρας ('old age, advanced years'), itself of uncertain further origin but present in Homeric Greek. The suffix -σκω commonly forms inchoative verbs in Greek, indicating the beginning of a state or the process of entering into it.
Historical & Contextual Notes
γηράσκω is used in both classical and Koine Greek as the standard verb for 'to grow old.' The action is neutral, denoting the natural process of aging, and does not necessarily imply frailty, negative connotations, or disgrace. In the Septuagint and New Testament, γηράσκω is relatively rare, often paralleled by Hebrew and Aramaic expressions for 'growing old.' English translations like 'be old' or 'grow old' capture the primary sense but may miss the ongoing aspect (the process, not merely the state). The word is distinct from verbs denoting particular symptoms or consequences of old age (such as physical weakness or senility). Related terms: γῆρας (old age, noun), πρεσβύτης (old man, elder), and γέρων (old man) differentiate between the process of aging (γηράσκω), the state (γῆρας), and persons of advanced age (πρεσβύτης, γέρων). Earliest attestations are found in Homer and extend into all periods of Greek. The formation is typical for processual or inchoative verbs.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from γῆρας; to be senescent:--be (wax) old.
Root Family
γηράσκω (gēráskō) — to grow old, to become aged, to advance in age
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1095-03 |
θά | tha | TF |
come | grow old | 1 |
G1095-01 |
γηράσῃς | gerases | V AOR ACT SUBJ 2P SG |
you grow old | you may grow old | 1 |
G1095-02 |
γηράσκον | geraskon | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM N SG |
growing old | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1095-01 |
John 21:18 | γηράσῃς | gerases | V AOR ACT SUBJ 2P SG |
you grow old | you may grow old |
G1095-03 |
1 Corinthians 16:22 | θά | tha | TF |
come | grow old |
G1095-02 |
Hebrews 8:13 | γηράσκον | geraskon | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM N SG |
growing old |