Brief Overview of εὐθέως (Strong’s G2112: eutheōs)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential for deepening Biblical studies, as it brings clarity to the original texts and provides cultural context. The Greek word εὐθέως (eutheōs), meaning “immediately” or “straightaway,” is particularly significant in the New Testament. This adverb is used frequently, especially in the Gospels, to describe actions that occur without delay. Understanding εὐθέως is crucial for interpreting narratives where urgency, immediacy, and responsiveness to divine instruction or events are emphasized.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: εὐθέως (eutheōs) [yoo-THEH-os]
• Etymology: Derived from εὐθύς (euthys), meaning “straight” or “right,” combined with an adverbial ending to indicate immediacy or directness.
• Part of Speech: Adverb; does not decline.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Immediately: Without any delay or lapse of time.
• Straightway: Directly, without deviation or hesitation.
• At Once: Promptly or as soon as possible.

Similar Words: τάχα (tacha) [TAH-khah], meaning “soon” or “quickly.” While τάχα conveys a sense of swiftness, εὐθέως emphasizes immediacy without any intervening delay, often implying an action taken right away in response to a command or event.

Further Insights: εὐθέως is an indeclinable adverb, meaning it does not change form regardless of case, gender, or number. This adverb functions to modify verbs, emphasizing the immediacy or promptness of an action. It is commonly found in narratives where the sequence of events is significant, often conveying urgency or divine timing.

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: εὐθέως is defined as “immediately,” “at once,” or “straightaway,” highlighting the word’s role in indicating swift or direct action, often without delay or second thoughts. It is frequently used in the Gospels to describe the immediate response to Jesus’ words or actions.

Thayer’s: εὐθέως is translated as “immediately” or “forthwith,” emphasizing an action that follows right away after a command or significant event. Thayer’s highlights the use of the word to underscore the readiness of response, particularly in narratives involving Jesus’ miracles or teachings.

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Vine’s Expository Dictionary: εὐθέως is listed as “immediately” or “straightaway,” with a focus on the directness and lack of delay in the response. Vine’s dictionary points out that the word often describes the quick transition from one event to another, suggesting a divine or purposeful swiftness.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): εὐθέως means “at once,” “immediately,” or “forthwith,” commonly used in both Biblical and classical contexts to denote an action or response that follows directly without deviation.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: εὐθέως (G2112) is defined as “immediately” or “straightway,” indicating an immediate or direct action. It comes from εὐθύς (euthys), which means “straight,” and is used adverbially to denote something done without hesitation or pause.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 4:20: “Immediately (εὐθέως) they left their nets and followed Him.”
• Mark 1:18: “Immediately (εὐθέως) they left their nets and followed Him.”
• Luke 5:25: “And immediately (εὐθέως) he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.”

Classical Usage

Summary of εὐθέως (G2112)

εὐθέως (eutheōs) is a Greek adverb meaning “immediately,” “straightway,” or “at once.” It is a term that emphasizes urgency, quickness, or directness, often used in the New Testament to convey the swift and decisive responses to divine commands or significant events. This word is essential in understanding the narrative flow of the Gospels, where immediacy often highlights the power of Jesus’ words and actions, as well as the promptness of obedience by His followers. Its use extends to classical Greek literature, where it similarly emphasizes swift action or decisions.

Did You Know?

Did you know that εὐθέως is one of the most frequently used adverbs in the Gospel of Mark? Mark’s use of this word creates a sense of immediacy and urgency, reflecting the swift pace and compelling nature of Jesus’ ministry. The term’s repeated use underlines the importance of quick and faithful response to divine calling or intervention.