Brief Overview of ἄρτι (G737: arti)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: arti

Root Words:

• The word ἄρτι is derived from the Greek root ἄρτος (artos), meaning “bread,” but in this context, it functions adverbially rather than as a noun.

Primary Meanings:

• Just Now/Recently: ἄρτι primarily means “just now,” “recently,” or “at this moment.” It is used to indicate something that is happening at the present time or has just occurred.
• Currently: It can also denote a sense of immediacy or current relevance, often translating to “currently” or “presently.”

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἄρτι as an adverb meaning “just now” or “recently,” with a focus on the immediate present or the recent past. It emphasizes the temporal immediacy of an action or event.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon concurs with BDAG, noting ἄρτι as meaning “now” or “just now,” used to express recentness or immediacy in time.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words similarly describes ἄρτι as “just now” or “recently,” highlighting its use to denote actions or events that are current or immediate.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon provides a definition that aligns with the other sources, describing ἄρτι as “just now” or “at this very time,” indicating a recent or immediate timeframe.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s also identifies ἄρτι as meaning “just now” or “recently,” focusing on its adverbial use to convey recentness or immediacy.

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Bible Verses:

• Matthew 26:53 (KJV): “Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?”
• In this verse, ἄρτι is used to signify the immediacy of Jesus’ ability to call upon the Father for help.
• John 16:24 (KJV): “Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.”
• Here, ἄρτι (translated “hitherto”) emphasizes the recent lack of asking in Jesus’ name.

3. Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

ἄρτι appears in classical Greek literature primarily in the context of indicating recentness or immediacy. Examples include:

• Plato’s “Phaedo”: In this dialogue, ἄρτι is used to denote the immediate present in discussions about philosophical concepts and dialogues.
• Aristotle’s “Nicomachean Ethics”: The term appears in contexts that describe actions or states that are occurring at the present time.
• Xenophon’s “Anabasis”: ἄρτι is used to describe recent events or conditions encountered by Xenophon and his companions.

4. Summary:

ἄρτι (G737: arti) is an adverb used in Greek to express the idea of something occurring “just now” or “recently.” It signifies immediacy or the present moment. The term is consistently described across various lexicons, including BDAG, Thayer’s, Vines, and Strong’s, as indicating recentness or immediacy. In classic Greek literature, ἄρτι is used similarly to denote actions or conditions occurring at the present time or very recently.