Α, α, ἄλφα
τό, the first letter of the Greek alphabet, opening the series which the letter ω closes. Hence the expression ἐγώ εἰμι τὸ A [L T Tr WH ἄλφα] καὶ τὸ Ω [Ὦ L WH], Rev. 1:8, 11 Rec., which is explained by the appended words ἡ ἀρχὴ καὶ τὸ τέλος, 21:6, and by the further addition ὁ πρῶτος καὶ ὁ ἔσχατος, 22:13. On the meaning of the phrase cf. Rev. 11:17; Is. 41:4; 44:6; 48:12; [esp. B. D. Am. ed. p. 73]. A, when prefixed to words as an inseparable syllable, is