ἀπ-αρχή, -ῆς, ἡ
(< ἀπάρχομαι, to make a beginning in sacrifice, offer first fruits), [in LXX chiefly for תְּרוּמָה, רֵאשִׁית;]
1. the beginning of a sacrifice.
2. first fruits: τοῦ φυράματος (cf. Nu 15:20), Ro 11:16. Metaph., ἀ. τοῦ πνεύματος: Ro 8:23; of Christians: Ro 16:5, I Co 16:15, II Th 2:13 (WH, mg., R, mg., txt., ἀπ᾽ ἀρχῆς; v. Lft., Notes, 119 f.), Ja 1:18, Re 14:4; of Christ: I Co 15:20, 23 (Cremer, 117; MM, VGT, s.v.).†