ἄρχομαι
árchomai
G756
SILEX Entry
Definition
To begin, to initiate an action, to start (often with a sense of being the first to do something or establishing an order). In expanded contexts, ἄρχομαι carries the sense of taking the initiative, commencing something in time or sequence, or setting something in motion; it can also introduce reported speech or actions.
Semantic Range
to begin, to commence, to start, to take the initiative, to be the first, to initiate speech or action, to introduce reported speech
Root / Etymology
Middle voice of ἄρχω ('to rule, to lead, to begin'), formed with the middle-passive endings. The root ἀρχ- is related to 'beginning' or 'origin,' as in ἀρχή ('beginning, origin, rule').
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, ἄρχομαι commonly signified the act of being the first to do something or taking the role of 'beginner.' In Koine and New Testament Greek, ἄρχομαι predominantly retains the meaning 'to begin' or 'to commence,' especially of actions or speech. It is frequently paired with an infinitive in the New Testament (“to begin to...”). In the Septuagint and New Testament, ἄρχομαι occasionally introduces reported speech or actions (i.e., 'he began to say/do'). The middle voice underlines an emphasis on the subject’s own initiative or participation in the action. While most major English translations use 'begin,' nuances related to order, initiative, or ceremonial commencement may be under-represented. Related Greek verbs for 'begin' include ἐνάρχομαι (a stronger, more formal commencement) and the simple verb ἄρχω (primarily 'to rule,' but in earlier Greek, also 'to begin'). Over time, ἄρχομαι became the standard Koine verb for 'to begin' where the initiator’s involvement is stressed.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
middle voice of ἄρχω (through the implication, of precedence); to commence (in order of time):--(rehearse from the) begin(-ning).
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.