AEON ē’ ən (αἰών, G172, age). This word, frequently used in the NT, and also in the LXX (esp. for Heb. עﯴלָם, H6409), is used in three ways: (a) The pl. denotes the ages which represent divisions of time, past and future (e.g. Eph. 2:7; 3:9). God is “the King of ages” (1 Tim 1:17); (b) often the word denotes a contrast (which goes back to pre-Christian Jewish apocalyptic) between the present age and the age to come. The present age is transitory and evil, its values contrary to those of God; the future age is that in which God holds undisputed sway (e.g. Mark 10:30); (c) It is used in phrases which point to an indefinite past (Luke 1:70) or future. The latter includes those commonly tr. “for ever” (Luke 1:33, 55), though it is necessary to tell from the context whether eternity is involved or just a long extended period.

(See TWNT.)