ἀρραβών

an earnest, earnest-money

Definition

The Greek word ἀρραβών refers to a 'down payment,' 'pledge,' or 'guarantee' given as a binding first installment that secures a future, full transaction. In the New Testament, it is used exclusively in a spiritual sense to describe the Holy Spirit as God's guarantee to believers of their future inheritance and redemption. In 2 Corinthians 1:22 and 5:5, Paul describes the Spirit as the 'deposit' or 'guarantee' of our future resurrection and eternal life with God. Similarly, in Ephesians 1:14, the Spirit is called the 'deposit guaranteeing our inheritance' until the final redemption of God's possession.

Biblical Usage

This word is used three times in the Pauline epistles, always metaphorically referring to the Holy Spirit. The pattern is consistent: the Spirit is given to believers now as a secure, tangible promise of the complete fulfillment of God's salvation in the future. It appears in contexts discussing Christian assurance and the 'already but not yet' nature of redemption (2 Corinthians 1:22; 2 Corinthians 5:5; Ephesians 1:14).

Etymology

Derived from a Semitic root (likely Phoenician or Hebrew), borrowed into Greek as a commercial term. It is not from Greek ἀ- (not). The original meaning was a non-refundable deposit or first installment in a purchase contract, which legally obligated both parties to complete the transaction.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically rich, anchoring the doctrine of the Holy Spirit as the 'firstfruits' (Romans 8:23) and guarantee of our salvation. It provides powerful assurance that God's promises are certain and that our future glorification is as secure as the Spirit's present work within us. Understanding this commercial metaphor deepens appreciation for the certainty and legal security of God's covenant promises in Christ.

In the ancient Greco-Roman world, an ἀρραβών was a common practice in business and marriage contracts. It was a substantial, upfront payment that made a contract legally binding and obligated the payer to complete the full payment later. This differs from a modern 'deposit,' which is often refundable; the ἀρραβών was a non-refundable pledge securing the whole agreement.

ἀπαρχή (aparchē, G536) — 'firstfruits,' emphasizing the first portion of a harvest as a pledge of the full crop to come. σφραγίς (sphragis, G4973) — 'seal,' emphasizing authentication and ownership rather than a partial payment.

Word Details

Scripture References