Name of God - Basilei ton Aionon: King Eternal
Basilei ton Aionon: King Eternal
Daily Verse: “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”
☆ 1 Timothy 1:17 HCSB
Let's Talk About It: I want to first start off by saying that the Books of Timothy are amongst my favorite in the Bible. It’s probably because in a way, I can relate to Timothy. We see in this section of the chapter, Paul is giving a brief summary of his personal testimony; mentioning who he was, what he does now, by what way he was saved, the reason for his salvation, and unto who the glory goes to. In giving the glory to God, Paul identifies Him as King eternal. The name he uses here is Basilei Aiōnōn.
Basilei, which comes from the Greek word basileus (bas-il-yooce’), which is a masculine singular noun meaning sovereign king. Sovereign, as a noun, means a supreme ruler. As an adjective, it means possessing supreme or ultimate power. As you can see, the word Paul used here in Greek has a far stronger meaning than just king. It’s as if he’s saying the King of kings. If we pause for a moment and let that word sink in, one can’t help but to be in awe of this description. During this time period, kings were known to be the final authority on everything. They answer to no one. So to be the King of all kings, that’s some serious power and authority.
According to the Greek Strong’s Dictionary, Aiōnōn (ahee-ohn’-ohn’), the masculine plural form of Greek noun aiōn, translates to eternity in English; (for) ever(-more), (n-)ever, (beginning of the, while the) world (began, without end). Defining eternal, the Oxford Languages Dictionary says it means lasting or existing forever; without end or beginning.
This concept or definition is really hard to swallow for many. Due to our finite intellect of the spiritual realm and only understanding of that which is in the natural, it is hard for many of us to grasp the understanding of this definition. I don’t know about you, but I love the idea of having a just and righteous King who is not bound by the limits of flesh and death; A King who is the same today as He was yesterday, not changing like the wind because His desires change.
We have a King that is on the Throne forever. Unlike human kings where they may die and those who were under his rule wonder if the next king will be just, we have a King who is loving, joyful, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and demonstrates self-control, all the time…never changing, no rivals. He is sovereign and all powerful. It is written that one day in His courts is better than a thousand anywhere else. Doesn’t that sound like a place you want to be and a King you want to follow? That’s what you call a “win win”. If you have not chosen to follow Him yet and are reading this, I have good news. He’s still King and He’s Basilei ton Aiōnōn...KING ETERNAL! To the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. – Kevin