In the New Testament, ἄρχομαι (the middle voice of ἄρχω) functions almost exclusively as an auxiliary meaning 'begin' or 'start,' typically governing an infinitive that specifies the action commenced. It marks narrative transitions, signaling new phases of activity — Jesus 'began to preach' (Matt 4:17), 'began to teach' (Mark 4:1), 'began to send' (Mark 6:7). While the active ἄρχω can mean 'to rule' in Classical Greek, the NT uses only the middle with inchoative force. Spanish comenzó, French commencer, and German anfangen uniformly confirm this single sense. The word's frequency (84 occurrences) reflects its structural importance in Gospel narrative style.