Understanding ἄρτι (arti) Strong’s G737: The Greek Word Revealing God’s Perfect Timing and Present Reality

Pronunciation Guide: AR-tee

Basic Definition

Strong’s G737: ἄρτι (arti) signifies “just now” or “at this moment,” emphasizing the immediate present or a time just passed. It denotes temporal proximity, indicating something happening right now or having just occurred. This adverb carries a sense of immediacy and currency that bridges the immediate past with the present moment.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Adverb
• Origin: Classical Greek
• Usage Context: Primarily in narrative and dialogue
• Frequency: 36 occurrences in the New Testament
• Register: Common in both literary and colloquial contexts

ἄρτι Morphology:

• ἄρτι (adverbial form) – just now, at this moment
• ἀπ’ ἄρτι (with preposition) – from now on
• ἕως ἄρτι (with conjunction) – until now

Origin & History

The word ἄρτι has deep roots in classical Greek literature, appearing in works as early as Homer’s time. In Plato’s “Republic” (514a), it is used to mark immediate temporal relationships. The term gained particular significance in Hellenistic Greek, where it became a common marker for present time reference.

In the Septuagint, ἄρτι appears sparingly, primarily in later books such as 2 Maccabees, where it marks immediate temporal reference. The transition from classical to Koine Greek saw ἄρτι become more specialized in its temporal reference, distinguishing it from the more general νῦν (now).

The early church fathers, particularly Chrysostom in his homilies, employed ἄρτι to emphasize the immediacy of spiritual transformation and divine intervention. In his commentary on Matthew 3:15, Chrysostom emphasizes how ἄρτι in Jesus’ words to John the Baptist indicates the precise divine timing of His baptism.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Immediate present moment
• Just completed action
• Bridging immediate past to present
• Current ongoing situation

ἄρτι Translation Options:

• “Just now” – Emphasizes immediate past
• “At this moment” – Stresses current time
• “Now” – General present reference
• “From now on” (when used with ἀπό) – Indicates forward temporal movement
• “Until now” (when used with ἕως) – Marks continuation to present

Biblical Usage

The first appearance of ἄρτι in Matthew 3:15 sets a profound theological tone, where Jesus uses it to indicate the precise moment for fulfilling all righteousness through His baptism. This usage demonstrates how ἄρτι often marks pivotal moments in God’s redemptive timeline.

Throughout the New Testament, ἄρτι appears in significant theological contexts, particularly in John’s Gospel and Paul’s letters, where it often marks the transition between old and new covenant realities or immediate spiritual truths.

• “Permit it to be so now [ἄρτι]” Matthew 3:15
• “From now [ἄρτι] on you will see the Son of Man…” Matthew 26:64
• “What I do you do not realize now [ἄρτι]” John 13:7
• “For now [ἄρτι] we see in a mirror dimly” 1 Corinthians 13:12
• “Even until now [ἄρτι]” 1 Corinthians 4:13

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the concept of time was viewed differently than in Greek thought. While Greek thinking often separated time into precise moments, Hebrew thought saw time as flowing and purposeful. The use of ἄρτι in the New Testament brilliantly bridges these worldviews, capturing both the Greek sense of precise moment and the Hebrew understanding of appointed time (מועד – mo’ed).

The word particularly resonates with the Jewish concept of kairos – God’s appointed time – as seen in its usage in Matthew 3:15, where it marks not just a chronological moment but a divinely appointed time in redemptive history.

Theological Significance

The use of ἄρτι in the New Testament often marks moments of divine intervention and revelation. It appears at crucial junctures in the Messiah’s ministry, particularly in contexts where temporal and eternal realities intersect. This demonstrates God’s sovereign control over time and His perfect timing in salvation history.

In 1 Corinthians 13:12, Paul uses ἄρτι to contrast our present limited understanding with future perfect knowledge, revealing how God works within time while transcending it. This usage shows how ἄρτι can mark both temporal limitation and the promise of future fulfillment.

The word serves as a reminder that God’s timing is perfect, and His “now” moments are carefully orchestrated for our spiritual growth and His glory. It teaches us to trust in His timing and to recognize the significance of present moments in His eternal plan.

Personal Application

Understanding ἄρτι challenges us to live fully in the present moment, recognizing it as divinely appointed. When we face situations requiring patience or immediate action, this word reminds us that God’s timing is perfect and purposeful.

Just as Jesus used ἄρτι to mark the right moment for His baptism, we too should seek to discern and submit to God’s timing in our lives. This requires both sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and trust in God’s perfect schedule for our lives.

Related Words

• νῦν (nun) – now, at present – Similar but more general reference to present time See G3568
• εὐθύς (euthus) – immediately, straightway – Emphasizes immediacy of action rather than present moment See G2112
• ἤδη (ēdē) – already, now – Focuses on completed action up to present See G2235
• παραχρῆμα (parachrēma) – instantly, immediately – Stronger emphasis on immediacy See G3916

Did you Know?

• In modern Greek, ἄρτι survives in compound words like αρτιγέννητος (newborn) and αρτίγραφος (just written), maintaining its sense of immediacy and newness.
• The word appears significantly in early Christian baptismal liturgies, marking the moment of spiritual transformation from death to life.
• In Byzantine Greek, ἄρτι developed specialized uses in legal documents to mark the precise moment of contract execution or witness testimony.

Remember This

ἄρτι marks not just a moment in time, but God’s perfect timing in His redemptive plan, reminding us that His “now” moments are always purposeful and transformative.