Alpha and Omega

March 17, 2015 · updated February 15, 2022

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Alpha (α) and omega (ω) are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. When used symbolically in Christianity, they signify that God is "the beginning and the end," meaning that God is eternal.

Furthermore, the expression is commonly understood as a merism, which is a figure of speech that articulates the beginning of something and the ending of something, but the implication that it refers to all things in between as well.

As symbols, the Alpha and Omega were used in early Christianity and appeared in the Roman catacombs.

The Alpha and Omega symbols are often combined with the cross, chi rho, or other Christian symbols.

In Rabbinic literature, the word emet ("truth"), composed of the first and last letters of the Hebrew alphabet, is "the seal of God," and in Judaism it carries somewhat the same connotation as Alpha and Omega.

Related Bible Verses

"I am the first and the last" (Isa. 44:6)

"From everlasting to everlasting thou art God" (Ps. 90:2)

"I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty." (Rev 1:8, NIV)

References

    - Carolle E. Whittenmore, ed., Symbols of the Church. - "Alpha and Omega." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2006. Encyclopædia Britannica Premium Service.