(Heb. «rê'shîth»; Gr. «archê»). The proper meaning of this term is with reference to time. Thus, it is used:
(a) to indicate a starting point in the past at which a particular event is inaugurated, such as the inauguration of the Jewish liturgical year (Ex. 12:2), the beginning of Christianity (John 15:27; 16:4; 1 Jn. 1:1; 3:11; 2 Jn. 5, 6), etc.
(b) In Gen. 1:1 the reference is to an absolute beginning of creation, the same as in Jn. 1:1. Thus, although "beginning" cannot be separated from its relationship with time, it is stated that when time began the Word already existed with God and was God, therefore being eternal.
(c) In a moral sense it is used to denote a foundation or source (Prov. 1:7), the preeminent in dignity (Col. 1:18); the Author or active agent (Rev. 3:14).
An extrabiblical example of the use of the term "archê", "principle", not in a temporal relationship but as a cause or origin, is the one given by Josephus in Against Apion (2:23), where he affirms that God is the beginning of all things. things.
Meaning of BEGINNING
(a) to indicate a starting point in the past at which a particular event is inaugurated, such as the inauguration of the Jewish liturgical year (Ex. 12:2), the beginning of Christianity (John 15:27; 16:4; 1 Jn. 1:1; 3:11; 2 Jn. 5, 6), etc.
