Bible Dictionary
BEGINNING
Beginning ordinarily refers to the start of time or an event. In John 1:1, however, the Word already existed when time began, pointing to His eternal relation with God; the term can also mean the chief part, source, or author.
Definition
Beginning ordinarily refers to the start of time or an event. It may describe the inauguration of a particular observance or movement, but it can also mean the chief or most excellent part, an eminent person, or an author or source.
Biblical Usage
John’s use of “beginning” is especially significant: when time began, the Word already was, indicating His existence from eternity. Elsewhere the term may identify a starting point, the chief part, the most eminent person, or the author.
Historical Background
The term derives from Hebrew re’shith and Greek arche. Its basic sense concerns time, but the supplied material emphasizes that context determines whether it means absolute beginning, relative starting point, excellence, or source.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>be-gin'-ing (re'-shith; arche): The natural meaning of the word is with reference to time. The primitive Greek root means "to be long," "to draw out." Thus, it is used to refer to some point of time long drawn out, or long past (Ge 1:1). It is used also to express the inauguration of a particular event (Ex 12:2). The principal interest in the word centers in the use of it in Joh 1:1. It must be interpreted here by that which follows in the statement as to the relation of the Logos to the Eternal God and the use of the word "was." It is true that the word arche cannot be separated from the idea of time, but when time began He already was, and therefore He was from eternity.</p><p>See TIME; ETERNITY.</p><p>Figurative: in a figurative sense it is used of that which is most excellent, the chief part (Pr 1:7); of the most eminent person (Col 1:18); the author (Re 3:14).</p><p>Jacob W. Kapp</p>