Introduction
Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is crucial for grasping the nuances of New Testament writings. The Greek word εὐκαιρέω (eukaireō), meaning “to have an opportunity” or “to make good use of a time,” holds particular significance. It reflects both the concept of seizing the right moment and the readiness to act when the time is favorable. This term is not only relevant for interpreting the New Testament but also for understanding ancient Greek culture’s emphasis on timing and opportunity.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: εὐκαιρέω (eukaireō) [yoo-ky-REH-oh]
- Etymology: From εὖ (eu), meaning “well” or “good,” and καιρός (kairos), meaning “time” or “season.”
- Part of Speech: Verb; present active indicative.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To have an opportunity: Refers to the state of having a favorable time or moment to act.
- To take advantage of a season or time: Emphasizes the idea of using a moment or season wisely.
- To be timely or opportune: Indicates the right moment to do something.
Similar Words: καιρός (kairos) [ky-ROS], which means “appointed time” or “season.” While καιρός focuses on the idea of a suitable or appointed time, εὐκαιρέω emphasizes the action taken during that opportune moment.
Further Insights: εὐκαιρέω is a regular verb in its conjugation and follows the typical pattern of Greek verbs. Below is a table showing the full conjugation of εὐκαιρέω in the present indicative tense:
| Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | εὐκαιρέω | εὐκαιροῦμεν |
| 2nd | εὐκαιρεῖς | εὐκαιρεῖτε |
| 3rd | εὐκαιρεῖ | εὐκαιροῦσι(ν) |
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG: Defines εὐκαιρέω as “to have an opportunity” or “to take advantage of a suitable time,” often used in contexts where the time is ripe for action.
Thayer’s: Highlights εὐκαιρέω as “to be at a favorable or opportune moment,” often implying readiness and seizing the moment.
Vine’s Expository Dictionary: εὐκαιρέω is described as “to take a favorable opportunity” or “to be opportune,” especially in contexts where one must act quickly or wisely.
LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Provides classical usages of εὐκαιρέω, translating it as “to be in a good time” or “to find a good season,” indicating timeliness and appropriateness.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: εὐκαιρέω (G2119) is defined as “to have an opportunity” or “to be timely,” derived from εὖ (good) and καιρός (season), suggesting the readiness to act at the right moment.
Related Scripture References
- Mark 6:31: “And He said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.’ (For there were many people coming and going, and they did not even have an opportunity [εὐκαιρεῖν] to eat.)”
- 1 Corinthians 16:12: “But concerning Apollos our brother, I encouraged him greatly to come to you with the brethren; and it was not at all his desire to come now, but he will come when he has opportunity [εὐκαιρήσῃ].”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English text |
|---|---|---|
| Xenophon | Anabasis | “He sought to make use of the opportunity (εὐκαιρέειν) given by the enemy’s withdrawal.” |
| Plutarch | Lives | “The general waited to strike when he found the opportune moment (εὐκαιρέειν) during the battle.” |
| Septuagint (LXX) | Ecclesiastes 3:1 | “To everything there is a season (καιρός), and a time for every matter under heaven; to seize the opportunity (εὐκαιρέω).” |
Summary of εὐκαιρέω (G2119)
The Greek word εὐκαιρέω (eukaireō) signifies “to have an opportunity” or “to take advantage of a favorable moment.” Rooted in the combination of εὖ (“well”) and καιρός (“time”), it emphasizes acting wisely and promptly when the time is right. In both the New Testament and classical Greek literature, it is often used to describe timely actions or seizing the right moment. Understanding εὐκαιρέω provides deeper insights into Biblical passages that stress the importance of discernment and readiness in life and faith.
Did You Know?
Did you know that the word εὐκαιρέω is related to the concept of “carpe diem,” or “seize the day”? In ancient Greek thought, taking action at the right time was considered a virtue, much like today’s emphasis on making the most of every opportunity.
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