G3797

Unveiling the Word

The Greek word ὄψιμος (opsimos) primarily means “late” or “delayed.” It can refer to something that occurs later than expected, often implying a sense of lateness that can be either literal or figurative. The word is significant in biblical contexts, particularly in James 5:7, where it conveys patience and the importance of waiting for the “precious fruit” of the earth, a metaphor for spiritual growth and the coming of the Lord. This term captures a sense of expectation and anticipation, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in faith even when results seem delayed.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: ὄψιμος (opsimos), pronounced [OP-see-mos].

Etymology: The word is derived from the root ὄψις (opsis), meaning “sight” or “appearance,” combined with the suffix -μος, which forms adjectives. This combination emphasizes the aspect of visibility associated with timing, reflecting how something may become evident or manifest later.

Part of Speech: Adjective; it describes a noun, specifying a quality related to time.

Defining Meanings

Primary Meaning: Late; refers to an event or action that occurs after the expected or usual time.

Secondary Meaning: Delayed; suggests a postponement or a waiting period for something that is anticipated.

Tertiary Meaning: In a spiritual context, it can imply a period of patience required before a promise or fulfillment is realized, as seen in agricultural metaphors regarding harvests.

Exploring Similar Words

ὄψις (opsis) [OP-sis]: While ὄψιμος pertains to time and lateness, ὄψις relates to appearance or sight. This distinction highlights that ὄψιμος is focused on timing rather than visual aspects.

προοίμιον (prooimion) [pro-EE-mee-on]: This word means “preface” or “introduction.” Unlike ὄψιμος, which denotes a delay, προοίμιον implies the beginning or early stage of a discussion or event.

ἀργός (argos) [AR-gos]: This term means “lazy” or “idle.” While it also conveys a sense of delay, it carries a negative connotation of unwillingness to act, contrasting with the patient waiting implied by ὄψιμος.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Adjectives:

• Case, Number, Gender: ὄψιμος is in the nominative case, used to describe a noun. It can be both singular and plural, and it is typically masculine, though it can take feminine or neuter forms depending on the noun it describes.

• Declension: It follows the pattern of Greek adjectives, varying its ending according to the gender and number of the noun it modifies.

Studying Lexicon Insights

The term ὄψιμος carries deep implications in both New Testament and classical contexts. In James 5:7, it serves to remind believers of the importance of patience and endurance in waiting for the Lord’s return, often depicted through agricultural imagery that stresses the need for proper timing in the natural order. Various lexicons emphasize that this word not only denotes the physical passage of time but also embodies spiritual lessons about faith, perseverance, and the fulfillment of God’s promises.

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

Tracing Related Scriptures

James 5:7: “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receives the early and latter rain [ὄψιμος].”

Matthew 25:6: “And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him [ὄψιμος].”

Luke 14:17: “And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready [ὄψιμος].”

Analyzing Classical Usage

In classical literature, ὄψιμος is often used to describe delayed actions or the timing of events.

Example 1: Homer, Iliad: “And the delayed ship arrived [ὄψιμος] at dawn, bringing news of the war.”

Example 2: Plato, Phaedrus: “The discussion was delayed [ὄψιμος] until the shadows lengthened.”

Example 3: Herodotus, Histories: “The army moved slowly, their arrival being late [ὄψιμος] for the battle.”

Septuagint Example 1: Ecclesiastes 3:1: “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven [ὄψιμος].”

Septuagint Example 2: Isaiah 30:18: “Therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the Lord is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him [ὄψιμος].”

Septuagint Example 3: Proverbs 13:12: “Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life [ὄψιμος].”

Noteworthy Summary

The word ὄψιμος emphasizes the importance of patience and faith in the unfolding of divine plans. Its usage in the New Testament encapsulates a broader theological message about waiting for God’s promises, which often requires perseverance and steadfastness in the face of delay.

Did You Know?

1. ὄψιμος is particularly significant in agricultural contexts, symbolizing the waiting period for harvests, which reflects spiritual growth.

2. The word also appears in discussions of eschatology, underlining the need for readiness and patience in anticipation of the Second Coming of Christ.

3. Understanding ὄψιμος helps readers appreciate the biblical theme of hope and fulfillment amid periods of waiting.

Strong’s G3797: ὄψιμος (opsimos) signifies the concept of lateness, reflecting both a literal and spiritual waiting that is integral to the Christian experience of faith and anticipation.