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Unveiling the Word

In biblical Greek, νυνί (nyni) is a significant word that points to the present time with an emphasis on immediacy. Found in key theological contexts, such as Romans 3:21, where it draws attention to the “now” moment of God’s revelation of righteousness, this word sheds light on pivotal transitions in the biblical narrative. Understanding nyni is crucial for both scholars and readers who want to appreciate the depth of New Testament theology, as it often signals a shift from past to present, especially in light of God’s redemptive work.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: νυνί (nyni), pronounced noo-nee.

Etymology: The word νυνί is derived from νῦν (nun), which means “now.” The suffix -ι added to νυν serves to intensify the present time reference, making νυνί more emphatic. Thus, νυνί can be understood as “right now” or “at this very moment.”

Part of Speech: νυνί is an adverb that modifies verbs, clauses, or sentences by pointing to the immediacy of an action or state. Unlike nouns or verbs, adverbs such as νυνί do not change based on number, case, or gender.

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Defining Meanings

1. Now, at this moment: The primary meaning of νυνί is to indicate the current time, with an emphasis on the present moment. In biblical usage, this often highlights the transition from the previous era (e.g., the Old Covenant) to the new, especially when referring to the manifestation of God’s grace through Jesus Christ.

2. In contrast to the past: In some contexts, νυνί is used to contrast a present situation with what happened before. This can be theological, as seen in Romans 3:21, where the righteousness of God is revealed “now” apart from the Law, pointing to a new chapter in salvation history.

3. Immediate emphasis on action: The word νυνί also underscores an urgent call to attention or action in the present moment. It emphasizes that what is happening now demands immediate recognition or response.

Exploring Similar Words

1. Νῦν (nun) [pronunciation: noon]: While νῦν also means “now,” it lacks the intensification that νυνί provides. Nun refers to the present time in a general sense, while νυνί stresses the urgency and immediacy of the moment.

2. ἄρτι (arti) [pronunciation: ar-tee]: Arti means “just now” or “right now” but focuses more on something that has just happened or is in the process of happening. In contrast, νυνί focuses on the broader sense of the present, without necessarily involving a sense of recent action.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Since νυνί is an adverb, it remains unchanged regardless of case, number, or gender. It does not undergo declension like nouns, nor does it conjugate like verbs. Its role in a sentence is to modify the time-related aspect of verbs or clauses, consistently pointing to the immediacy of the present moment.

For further information on Greek grammar, click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

In biblical lexicons, νυνί is consistently highlighted for its role in marking theological transitions, especially those concerning the new era introduced through Christ’s ministry. Lexicons emphasize the contrast between νυνί and the past, focusing on how the word functions in key New Testament passages to underscore the present manifestation of divine truths. In classical Greek contexts, νυνί serves to point to immediate situations that require attention or action, often with a sense of urgency or critical importance.

This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Romans 3:21: “But now (νυνί) the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it.”

2. Romans 7:6: “But now (νυνί) we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.”

3. 1 Corinthians 12:18: “But now (νυνί) God has arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as He chose.”

Analyzing Classical Usage

Author Name of Work Text

Plato The Republic “But now (νυνί) we must take swift action to preserve justice.”

Aristophanes Lysistrata “At this moment (νυνί), there is no time to waste.”

Septuagint Genesis 4:7 “But now (νυνί), if you do well, will you not be accepted?”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek adverb νυνί (nyni) is a critical term in the New Testament, used to draw attention to the present moment with a heightened sense of immediacy. In key theological passages like Romans 3:21, it emphasizes the shift from the past under the law to the new revelation of God’s righteousness through Christ. Nyni is an intensified form of νῦν, underscoring the importance of the “now” moment in the biblical narrative. By understanding νυνί, readers gain insight into the urgency and significance of the present in God’s redemptive plan.

Did You Know?

1. The word νυνί is often used in critical theological contexts to emphasize the shift from past systems (like the Law) to the present reality of grace.

2. While νῦν appears frequently in the New Testament, νυνί adds a layer of urgency and intensity to the concept of “now.”

3. Classical Greek authors also used νυνί in philosophical and dramatic contexts to mark moments of significant decision or change.