Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies is essential for grasping the full meaning of New Testament texts. The Greek word εὐκαιρία (eukairia), meaning “opportunity” or “a favorable occasion,” is particularly significant. It reflects the ancient Greek emphasis on timing and seizing the moment, an idea that permeates both secular and Biblical texts. In the New Testament, this word is used to emphasize the importance of recognizing and acting upon God’s appointed times.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: εὐκαιρία (eukairia) [yoo-ky-REE-ah]
• Etymology: Derived from εὖ (eu), meaning “well” or “good,” and καιρός (kairos), meaning “time” or “season.”
• Part of Speech: Noun; feminine, first declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Opportunity: Refers to a favorable or opportune time to act.
• Suitable Occasion: A specific moment that is ideal or advantageous for a particular purpose.
• Convenient Time: A time that is deemed appropriate or fitting for an event or action.

Similar Words: καιρός (kairos) [ky-ROS], which means “appointed time” or “season.” While καιρός focuses on the concept of a suitable time in general, εὐκαιρία emphasizes the favorable nature or convenience of a particular moment.

Further Insights: εὐκαιρία is a first-declension feminine noun. Below is a table showing the full declension of εὐκαιρία:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: Defines εὐκαιρία as “a favorable opportunity” or “a suitable time,” often implying a time that should not be missed or wasted.

Thayer’s: Describes εὐκαιρία as “a convenient time” or “a seasonable opportunity,” particularly in contexts where readiness and discernment are needed.

Vine’s Expository Dictionary: Indicates that εὐκαιρία denotes “an opportunity” that presents itself and should be seized, emphasizing the importance of making the most of the time given.

LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Lists εὐκαιρία as “opportunity” or “advantageous season,” often used in both secular and religious texts to denote a time that brings potential benefits.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: εὐκαιρία (G2120) is defined as “opportunity” or “convenient season,” derived from εὖ (“good”) and καιρός (“season”), emphasizing a moment that is ripe for action or decision.

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 time [εὐκαιρίαν] to eat.)”
• Luke 22:6: “And he consented and began seeking a good opportunity [εὐκαιρίαν] to betray Him to them apart from the crowd.”

Classical Usage

Summary of εὐκαιρία (G2120)

The Greek word εὐκαιρία (eukairia) translates to “opportunity” or “a favorable occasion.” It combines εὖ (“well”) and καιρός (“time”) to denote a moment that is particularly ripe for action or decision-making. In Biblical texts, εὐκαιρία emphasizes the necessity of discernment and readiness to act when God presents a favorable moment. Classical Greek literature also reflects this idea of seizing the right time, making εὐκαιρία a key concept for understanding both Biblical wisdom and ancient Greek cultural values.

Did You Know?

Did you know that the concept of εὐκαιρία is central to the ancient Greek philosophy of “living in harmony with the kairos” (opportune time)? This idea encouraged individuals to act wisely and decisively when the moment was right, which resonates with the Biblical principle of making the most of every opportunity.