[Greek] ἀρχαῖος (archaios), [Latin] antiquus, [Latin] prioribus, [Latin] vetera, [Latin] originalis: original, primeval, them of an old time, ancient, archaic, old things, a good while ago, old, existing for a long time in the past, persons belong to a former age, old point of time; 2Pet.2:25, Mt.5:21, Lk.9:8, Act.15:7, Act.21:16, 2Cor.5:17, Rev.12:9, Act.15:21, Mt.5:27
Background Information:
Ancient Greek: This term, essentially meaning old or ancient, takes on many varied and nuanced meanings. This term can mean from the very beginning, the earliest time, belonging to a distant time, past events, nature origins, forefathers, and the ancient poets and philosophers. Plato states that an inherent ancient truth may still illustrate an aspect of truth.
Old Testament: This Greek term is similar to two related Hebrew terms. The Hebrew qedem, meaning ancient, refers to a time in the past when God acts in Creation or in the days of the Exodus. The other Hebrew olam indicates something lasting that stretches continually into the future. The Hebrews looked back into history and found their identity in the covenant promises that God made. The past is the foundation for the present and future. The past was deeply respected. These are the events of old (1Chr.4:22). The finest gifts of ancient mountains (Deut.33:15). I am a descendent of wise men and kings (Isa.19:11). At the beginning; from of old, things not yet done (Isa. 46:10). From days of old, I planned it (Isa.37:26). One ruler is to be ruler of Israel; whose origin is from of old, from ancient times. Therefore the Lord will give them up, until the time when she who is to give birth has borne (Mic.5:1-2).
New Testament: This term can mean ancient, old, existing for a long time, and long ago from an age. Scriptural references are made to ancestors, ancient prophets, Moses, disciples, and Satan. This past is illustrated in Creation prior to the Flood. Religious traditions and practices are presented in historical terms. However, this term does not speak to the idea that God has existed perpetually in the past.
Scripture:
“Others were saying, ‘Elijah has appeared’; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.’” Lk.9:8
Some thought John the Baptist was Elijah. This gives credence to John the Baptist’s mission.
“Peter said to them, ‘My brothers, you are well aware that from early days God made his choice among you that through my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe.’” Act. 15:7
Through God’s Providence, God would use Peter proclaim the gospel to the Gentiles. God made this decision
“So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.” 2Cor.5:17
The death of Christ brings a new order. A new mode of perception of knowing Christ begins through the Spirit. The rabbis referred to a new creation as one who becomes a convert.
Conclusion:
Archaic, archaeology, archaeologist, antique, prior, veteran, original
I never realized that there could be so many nuances of the sense of being ancient or old. I think Plato wisely states that there could be elements of truth associated with an ancient myth. Perhaps not a literal truth, but there can be truth present nonetheless. I think the same can be said for scripture. Even in scripture, there are other aspects of truth besides literal truth.
It is interesting to see the Hebrew perspective of the sense of being old or ancient. Not only does this look back in time, but it also stretches into the future. The past covenantal history of the Old Testament provides the foundation for the Hebrew (Israelite) culture.
The New Testament culture also continues with the many nuanced aspects of being ancient or old. It interesting to see that from ages past, that God intended to use Peter to reach the Gentiles. Jesus makes all things new with His sacrifice and resurrection. All such prior religious relationship are superseded by Jesus’ actions.
Interestingly, Matthew’s gospel reports that the chief priests and scribes cite Micah 5:1-2 as the ancient promise of a messiah in the line of David to be born in Bethlehem (Mt.2:5-6).