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ἀεί

aeí

G104 adverb

SILEX Entry

Root ἀει- always, perpetually, without interruption

Definition

Constantly, perpetually; indicating unceasing or continuous action, state, or quality. The adverb signifies something occurring without interruption, or in some contexts, regular recurrence over time. It can denote 'always,' 'at all times,' or 'continually.' Sometimes carries emphatic force, implying persistency or earnestness in an action or state.

Semantic Range

always, ever, continually, without ceasing, perpetually, constantly, at all times

Root / Etymology

From an obsolete, perhaps pre-Greek or non-extant root; closely related to classical Greek ἀεί (aeí) with the same meaning. Etymology uncertain.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἀεί is widely attested from Homer onwards, consistently expressing the idea of 'always,' 'forever,' or 'continually.' By the Hellenistic and Koine periods and in the Septuagint, it maintains this temporal sense, marking unbroken duration or repeated regularity. In the New Testament, ἀεί frequently expresses an unceasing action or presence (Luke 24:53, Acts 7:51), sometimes with the sense of persistent habituality (e.g., 'you always resist the Holy Spirit'). Unlike other temporal adverbs (e.g., παντοτε, 'at all times'), ἀεί more strongly connotes continuity without interruption, rather than frequency. English translations often render it as 'always' or 'ever,' but do not always reflect its emphasis on perpetuity or the underlying sense of temporal firmness. In some contexts, ἀεί can carry rhetorical or philosophical significance, as in expressions of cosmic or existential permanence.

Translation Consistency

primary "always" 7 occurrences

ἀεί is an adverb of unceasing or habitual action; 'always' is the most natural, common English rendering that captures the typical sense (constantly, at all times, continually) and matches the existing P2 usages. It is concise, idiomatic, and works consistently across all occurrences.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from an obsolete primary noun (apparently meaning continued duration); "ever," by qualification regularly; by implication, earnestly:--always, ever.

Root Family

ἀεί (aei) — always, perpetually, without interruption

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G104-01 ἀεὶ aei ADV always always always 7

Occurrences in Scripture

7 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G104-01 Acts 7:51 ἀεὶ aei ADV always always always
G104-01 2 Corinthians 4:11 ἀεὶ aei ADV always always always
G104-01 2 Corinthians 6:10 ἀεὶ aei ADV always always always
G104-01 Titus 1:12 ἀεὶ aei ADV always always always
G104-01 Hebrews 3:10 ἀεὶ aei ADV always always always
G104-01 1 Peter 3:15 ἀεὶ aei ADV always always always
G104-01 2 Peter 1:12 ἀεὶ aei ADV always always always
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