Original Word: ἀεί
Part of Speech: Adverb
Transliteration: aei
Pronunciation: ah-AY
Phonetic Spelling: (ah-eye')
KJV: always, ever
NASB: always, constantly
Word Origin: [from an obsolete primary noun apparently meaning "continued duration"]

1. "ever"
2. (by qualification) regularly
3. (by implication) earnestly

always, ever.

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

Word Origin
of uncertain origin
Definition
ever, unceasingly
NASB Translation
always (6), constantly (1).

STRONGS NT 104: ἀεί

ἀεί (see αἰών, adverb (from Homer down), always;

1. perpetually, incessantly: Acts 7:51; 2 Corinthians 4:11; 2 Corinthians 6:10; Titus 1:12; Hebrews 3:10.

2. invariably, at any and every time when according to the circumstances something is or ought to be done again: Mark 15:8 (T WH omit) (at every feast); 1 Peter 3:15; 2 Peter 1:12.

Essential Idea

Strong’s Greek 104 (ἀεί) speaks of uninterrupted continuity: “at all times,” “ever,” “continually.” In Scripture it functions as an adverb of duration, portraying either an unbroken pattern of conduct or an abiding state of heart and circumstance.

Pattern of Occurrences

Acts 7:51 – persistent rebellion against the Holy Spirit

2 Corinthians 4:11 – continual exposure to death for Jesus’ sake

2 Corinthians 6:10 – unceasing joy amid sorrow

Titus 1:12 – habitual falsehood among Cretans

Hebrews 3:10 – constant straying of Israel in the wilderness

1 Peter 3:15 – perpetual readiness to defend the hope within

2 Peter 1:12 – ongoing pastoral reminder of gospel truth

Contrasting Portraits: Sin’s Constancy vs. Faithful Perseverance

1. Persistent Unbelief
• Acts 7:51 records Stephen’s indictment: “You always resist the Holy Spirit—just as your fathers did.” The adverb exposes a continuous lineage of rebellion reaching from Israel’s wilderness generation (Hebrews 3:10) to the Sanhedrin.
• Titus 1:12 cites Epimenides: “Cretans are always liars,” a cultural pattern so entrenched that only the sanctifying work of the gospel can overturn it.
• Hebrews 3:10 echoes Psalm Ninety-five, “Their hearts always go astray.” The word underscores the settled disposition of unbelief that forfeits rest.

2. Enduring Faithfulness
• Paul discloses in 2 Corinthians 4:11 that he and his co-workers are “always consigned to death for Jesus’ sake,” yet the same constancy that marks their sufferings also manifests resurrection life.
• In 2 Corinthians 6:10, the apostle’s life is “sorrowful, yet always rejoicing,” demonstrating that abiding joy is not circumstance-bound but Spirit-wrought.
• Peter exhorts, “Always be prepared to give a defense” (1 Peter 3:15). The believer’s readiness is to be habitual, not sporadic.
• Peter further pledges, “I will always remind you of these things” (2 Peter 1:12), revealing that effective shepherding repeats truth continually for the church’s stability.

Theological Themes

Perpetuity of Human Disposition

ἀεί exposes the heart’s default setting. Whether stubborn resistance or Spirit-enabled endurance, what is continual reveals what is truly governing.

Perseverance of the Saints

The adverb anchors teaching on perseverance: saints do not merely begin well; they “always” bear Christ’s death so His life may “also be revealed” (2 Corinthians 4:11).

Perpetual Witness

Evangelism and apologetics are not seasonal. The church lives “always ready,” whether before tribunals (Acts) or inquisitive neighbors (1 Peter).

Divine Faithfulness Over Human Inconstancy

Israel “always” went astray (Hebrews 3:10), yet God maintained covenant purposes, ultimately fulfilled in Christ, whose own intercession is unceasing (Hebrews Seven).

Historical and Ministerial Significance

Early Church Experience

Luke’s and Paul’s usage reflects the earliest missionary context: persecution was constant, but so was joy and proclamation. ἀεί encapsulated the rhythm of cross and resurrection in apostolic ministry.

Pastoral Repetition

Peter’s promise to “always remind” legitimizes repetitive teaching for doctrinal retention. Historic catechesis and liturgy echo this principle, embedding truth through continual rehearsal.

Apologetic Mandate

The Reformers and later evangelical apologists cited 1 Peter 3:15 to ground a perpetual obligation to articulate and defend orthodoxy.

Missionary Endurance

Accounts of martyrs and modern missionaries parallel 2 Corinthians 4:11: a continuous exposure to danger that magnifies the life of Jesus among the nations.

Practical Implications

• Examine patterns that are “always” present in personal life and corporate culture; constancy reveals either entrenched sin or Spirit-borne fruit.
• Cultivate disciplines that foster an “always ready” posture—prayer, Scripture intake, doctrinal clarity.
• Pastors should embrace necessary repetition, trusting the Spirit to use continual reminders for the flock’s maturation.
• Believers facing ongoing affliction can rest in the paradox of 2 Corinthians 6:10: perpetual sorrow does not cancel perpetual rejoicing.

Summary

ἀεί threads through Scripture as a spotlight on what endures. In unredeemed hearts it uncovers persistent rebellion; in Spirit-filled lives it showcases unwavering joy, witness, and pastoral care. Its seven New Testament occurrences form a concise theology of constancy, urging the church to reject continual sin and to embrace continual faithfulness until Christ’s return.

αει αεί ἀεὶ αενάων αένναος αεργός αεργού αεργών aei aeìInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts