Lexical Summary palai: Long ago, formerly, of old Original Word: πάλαι Strong's Exhaustive Concordance long agoProbably another form for palin (through the idea of retrocession); (adverbially) formerly, or (by relatively) sometime since; (elliptically as adjective) ancient -- any while, a great while ago, (of) old, in time past. see GREEK palin NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition long ago, of old NASB Translation all this time (1), former (1), long (1), long ago (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3819: πάλαιπάλαι, adverb of time, from Homer down; 1. of old; Hebrews 1:1; (as adjective) former, 2 Peter 1:9. (πάλαι properly designates the past not like πρίν and πρότερον relatively, i. e. with a reference, more or less explicit, to some other time (whether past, present, or future), but simply and absolutely.) 2. long ago: Matthew 11:21; Luke 10:13; Jude 1:4; so also of time just past, Mark 15:44 (A. V. any while) (where L Tr text WH text ἤδη); 2 Corinthians 12:19 L T Tr WH (R. V. all this time) (so in Homer, Odyssey 20, 293; Josephus, Antiquities 14, 15, 4). The adverb πάλαι points to a time remote from the speaker’s present—“long ago,” “already,” “formerly.” In the New Testament it serves as a literary hinge, recalling God’s earlier works, exposing human forgetfulness, or underscoring unexpected developments. Each setting draws a line between what has previously occurred and the moment at hand, urging the reader to respond in faith and obedience. Occurrences in the New Testament “...they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.” Jesus contrasts the stubbornness of Chorazin and Bethsaida with the hypothetical repentance of Tyre and Sidon, pressing home the urgency of present obedience by appealing to a repentance that would have happened “long ago.” “Pilate was surprised that Jesus was already dead, and summoning the centurion, he asked whether He had been dead for some time.” The governor’s inquiry highlights the unexpected speed of Christ’s death, adding historical credibility to the crucifixion narrative and paving the way for the certainty of His burial and resurrection. “Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ, and all of it, beloved, is for your strengthening.” Paul’s use of πάλαι reminds the Corinthians that his consistent aim, from the beginning of his dealings with them, has been their edification. “On many past occasions and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets.” The writer places God’s earlier revelation in deliberate contrast to the climactic word spoken “in these last days” through the Son (Hebrews 1:2), establishing continuity yet superiority. “...having forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.” The adverb presses believers to pursue growth lest the memory of their former deliverance fade and spiritual vision be lost. “...ungodly ones who were designated long ago for condemnation...” Jude anchors his warning in a decree already in place, reinforcing divine foreknowledge and the certainty of judgment upon false teachers. Theological Themes 1. Continuity of Revelation Hebrews 1:1 positions God’s earlier prophetic speech as foundational for the final revelation in Christ. Scripture’s storyline moves from “long ago” promises to present fulfillment, affirming the unity of the testaments. 2. Divine Forbearance and Human Accountability Jesus’ woes (Matthew 11:21; Luke 10:13) reveal that God’s patience does not negate responsibility. Repentance expected “long ago” becomes evidence in the future judgment. 3. Certainty of Prophetic Pronouncement Jude 1:4 shows that judgments pronounced in antiquity remain effective. What God declares stands across the centuries. 4. Apostolic Integrity Paul (2 Corinthians 12:19) appeals to his long-standing motives, demonstrating consistent pastoral care. The adverb safeguards the authenticity of gospel ministry against shifting accusations. 5. Remembered Redemption Peter warns that forgetting “past sins” leads to stunted growth. Christian sanctification depends on continual recall of initial cleansing. Historical Significance First-century readers lived within a culture that valued ancestral tradition. By invoking πάλαι, the inspired authors connected the gospel message to a recognized historical continuum. Whether addressing Jewish expectation (Hebrews), Greco-Roman skepticism (Corinthians), or emerging heresy (Jude and 2 Peter), the writers grounded their appeals in events and decrees already woven into redemptive history. Ministry Application • Preachers can underscore God’s unchanging character: what He promised or warned “long ago” still shapes the present. Summary Strong’s Greek 3819, πάλαι, serves as a verbal bridge linking past revelation, deeds, and decrees to current divine action. Whether highlighting prophetic fulfillment, exposing unbelief, or affirming apostolic constancy, the term reminds the Church that the God who spoke and acted “long ago” remains sovereignly active now, and His word continues to demand faith, vigilance, and obedience. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 11:21 AdvGRK: ἐν ὑμῖν πάλαι ἂν ἐν NAS: in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth INT: in you long ago anyhow in Mark 15:44 Adv Luke 10:13 Adv 2 Corinthians 12:19 Adv Hebrews 1:1 Adv 2 Peter 1:9 Adv Jude 1:4 Adv |
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