Brief Overview of εὐθύς (Strong’s G2117: euthys)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial for Biblical studies as they provide deeper insights into the original meanings and contexts of the scriptures. The Greek word εὐθύς (euthys), meaning “straight” or “immediately,” is significant in interpreting New Testament passages and understanding ancient Greek culture. This adjective is frequently used in both literal and figurative senses to describe directness, uprightness, and urgency.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: εὐθύς (euthys) [yoo-THOOS]
• Etymology: Derived from the root ευ- (eu-), meaning “good” or “well,” combined with a concept of direction or alignment, giving the sense of “straight” or “direct.”
• Part of Speech: Adjective; masculine, feminine, and neuter forms.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Straight: Referring to something not crooked or bent, used both literally and metaphorically.
• Right, Upright: Denoting moral rectitude or being in accordance with virtue.
• Immediately: Used adverbially in the New Testament to indicate a swift action or event that happens without delay.

Similar Words: ὀρθός (orthos) [or-THOS], meaning “straight” or “correct.” While εὐθύς often carries connotations of immediacy or directness, ὀρθός emphasizes correctness or rightness, particularly in a moral or ethical sense.

Further Insights: εὐθύς is an adjective with forms that vary by gender and number, adapting to the nouns they modify. In its adverbial usage, εὐθύς means “immediately” or “at once,” which adds an element of urgency or promptness to the text. Below is a table showing the declension of εὐθύς.

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: εὐθύς is defined as “straight” in both literal and figurative senses, as well as “immediately” when used adverbially, showing urgency or directness of action.

Thayer’s: This lexicon emphasizes the dual use of εὐθύς as both “straight” and “immediately,” often used in narratives to convey immediacy.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary: εὐθύς is highlighted for its moral connotations of “straight” and the adverbial use “immediately,” which is common in Mark’s Gospel.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Provides a classical perspective, defining εὐθύς as “straight” or “direct” and noting its use in Greek literature to describe physical and moral alignment.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: εὐθύς (G2117) is noted as an adjective meaning “straight” or “immediately,” derived from ευ- (eu-), conveying goodness or a straight path.

Related Scripture References

• Mark 1:10: “And immediately (εὐθύς) coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opening, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon Him.”
• Matthew 3:3: “For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight (εὐθεῖας).”
• Acts 9:11: “And the Lord said to him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight (εὐθεῖαν).”

Classical Usage

Summary of εὐθύς (G2117)

εὐθύς (euthys) is a Greek adjective meaning “straight” or “immediate.” It has applications both in the literal sense of something not being crooked and the metaphorical sense of moral rectitude or directness. In the New Testament, εὐθύς is often used adverbially to convey a sense of urgency or quickness, especially in narrative passages. It also appears in classical Greek literature to describe both physical direction and ethical guidance.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the word εὐθύς not only describes the immediacy of events but also forms a key theme in the Gospel of Mark? The frequent use of εὐθύς in Mark creates a sense of urgency, pushing the narrative forward and emphasizing the swift movement of Jesus’ ministry. This unique stylistic choice adds depth to the understanding of Mark’s theological and literary approach.