unto the ages of ages: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘unto the ages of ages’ mean?

The idiom "unto the ages of ages" is a somewhat archaic and poetic way of expressing eternity or something that will last forever.

Idiom Explorer

Linguistic Revelation

The idiom "unto the ages of ages" has roots in both religious and biblical contexts. It is derived from a phrase in the Christian Bible and is often used in Christian liturgy and hymns. The phrase itself has a deep history and carries significant symbolism in religious discourse.

The idiom "unto the ages of ages" is primarily associated with Christianity and is found in the King James Version of the Bible. It appears in many verses, including Ephesians 3:21: "Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." The idiom is also found in the Catholic and Orthodox Christian traditions.

When translated from its original Greek form, the phrase "unto the ages of ages" is equivalent to the English phrase "forever and ever." It emphasizes the eternal nature of God's glory and is often used to convey the idea of something lasting for an infinite amount of time.

Within Christian liturgy, the idiom is commonly used as a doxology, a short hymn of praise to God. It serves as a way for believers to express their reverence and awe towards the divine. The idiom's usage in liturgical contexts further highlights its religious significance and its association with notions of eternity.

For ages, time has lingered in eternal eternity.

While the idiom is primarily utilized within religious and theological settings, it can also be employed metaphorically in secular contexts, albeit less frequently. In such cases, it may be used to convey the idea of something being eternal or everlasting.

The idiom "unto the ages of ages" is often used interchangeably with the idiom "for the ages." Both idioms emphasize the concept of something lasting for a long time or indefinitely. They convey a sense of permanence and endurance.

The phrase "unto the ages of ages" can also be related to the idiom "long time." Both idioms express the idea of something lasting for an extended period. They evoke the sense of time stretching out into the distant future.

In addition, the idiom "unto the ages of ages" can be connected to the idiom "ancient history." Both idioms involve a sense of time that extends far into the past. They evoke a connection to the distant past, imbuing a sense of historical significance.

Overall, the idiom "unto the ages of ages" holds deep religious and biblical significance. Its usage is predominantly found within Christianity, where it represents the eternal nature of God's glory. Although its usage extends beyond religious contexts, it remains predominantly associated with matters of faith and spirituality.

Example usage

Examples of how the idiom "unto the ages of ages" can be used in a sentence:

  1. The monument was built to stand unto the ages of ages.
  2. May their love and happiness endure unto the ages of ages.
  3. This tradition has been passed down through the generations unto the ages of ages.

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