UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: beginning

Semantic entry: 68.1

Semantic domains: Aspect

Subdomains: Begin, Start

Definition: initiation of an action, process, or state of being

Notes: It would also be possible to treat ἀρχή in RV MRK 1:1 · LV MRK 1:1 · Read together MRK 1:1 as indicating sequence (Domain 61), so that the contents of verse 1 could be regarded as a type of title for the following section. It seems far better, however, to regard ἀρχή in RV MRK 1:1 · LV MRK 1:1 · Read together MRK 1:1 as being closely related to what immediately follows in verse 2, so that one may translate ‘the good news about Jesus Christ the Son of God began as the prophet Isaiah had written …’

Sense 2: beginning, to begin

Semantic entry: 67.65

Semantic domains: Time

Subdomains: A Point of Time with Reference to Duration of Time: Beginning, End

Definition: a point of time at the beginning of a duration

Sense 3: first cause, origin

Semantic entry: 89.16

Semantic domains: Relations

Subdomains: Cause and/or Reason

Definition: one who or that which constitutes an initial cause

Notes: It is also possible to understand ἀρχή in RV REV 3:14 · LV REV 3:14 · Read together REV 3:14 as meaning ‘ruler’ (see 37.56: ἀρχή / 37.56: ἄρχων).

Sense 4: sphere of authority, limit of one’s rule

Semantic entry: 37.55

Semantic domains: Control, Rule

Subdomains: Rule, Govern

Definition: the sphere of one’s authority or rule

Sense 5: ruler, governor

Semantic entry: 37.56

Semantic domains: Control, Rule

Subdomains: Rule, Govern

Definition: (derivative of ἄρχω ‘to rule,’ 37.54: ἄρχω) one who rules or governs

Sense 6: power, authority, lordship, ruler, wicked force

Semantic entry: 12.44

Semantic domains: Supernatural Beings and Powers

Subdomains: Supernatural Powers

Definition: (title for supernatural forces and powers) a supernatural power having some particular role in controlling the destiny and activities of human beings

Notes: Some scholars have believed that it is possible to reconstruct at least in part some of the hierarchy represented by these various supernatural forces and powers, on the basis of the neoplatonic system of nine such powers arranged in three orders of three each. NT terminology and usage does not, however, lend itself to such a classification, and it is difficult, if not impossible, to determine what are the significant differences between these supernatural powers and forces.|In the case of RV EPH 1:21 · LV EPH 1:21 · Read together EPH 1:21 some scholars apply the terms in question both to the supernatural and to the human sphere, thus emphasizing the totality of Christ’s rule. This has a considerable measure of justification in view of the concepts held by persons in the ancient world, since various earthly powers were supposed to reflect corresponding supernatural powers.|For the most part, translators have endeavored to render the various terms in somewhat different ways, for example, ἐξουσία as ‘authority’; δύναμις as ‘power’; κυριότης as ‘ruler’; and phrases such as τὰ πνευματικὰ τῆς πονηρίας ἐν τοῖς ἐπουρανίοις as ‘wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world.’ In a number of languages, however, there are simply not enough terms to designate various kinds of powers, authorities, and forces which could be employed in speaking of such supernatural impersonal powers. Accordingly, some translators have simply used a phrase such as ‘any and all kinds of supernatural powers.’ Where it is possible to make certain lexical distinctions between terms and phrases, this, of course, should be done, but in a number of contexts this may be impossible, and accordingly, some explanation in a marginal note may be required if the reader is to understand satisfactorily the intent of the passages in question.|In some instances a measure of meaning may be obtained by somewhat paraphrastic expressions. For example, Ephesians 2:2 is rendered in some languages as ‘at that time you lived in the way in which the spirit that governs this world dictated you should live. This is the way the one who rules over the power in space commanded you to live. This is the very spirit that now commands the people who disobey God.’

Sense 7: elementary aspect, simple truth

Semantic entry: 58.20

Semantic domains: Nature, Class, Example

Subdomains: Basic Principles or Features Defining the Nature of Something

Definition: elementary and preliminary aspects defining the nature of something

Notes: Compare also the occurrence of ἀρχή[g] in RV HEB 5:12 · LV HEB 5:12 · Read together HEB 5:12 in which it serves to reinforce the meaning of στοιχεῖα (see 58.19: στοιχεῖον).

Sense 8: corner

Semantic entry: 79.106

Semantic domains: Features of Objects

Subdomains: Shapes

Definition: the corner of a two-dimensional object, such as a sheet of cloth