Strong’s G3910: A compound adverb combining παρα (beside) with αὐτίκα (immediately), meaning “momentary” or “for the present.” Used in 2 Corinthians 4:17 to contrast temporary earthly afflictions with eternal glory. Emphasizes the brief, passing nature of present circumstances.

U- Unveiling the Word

παραυτίκα precisely describes that which is momentary or temporary. In its sole New Testament usage, Paul employs it to contrast the brevity of present sufferings with the eternal weight of glory. The compound structure emphasizes immediacy but also transience. Early church fathers frequently used this term to encourage believers enduring persecution, emphasizing the temporary nature of earthly trials. Today, it continues to remind believers that current difficulties are brief in light of eternity.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παραυτίκα, parautika, /par-ow-TEE-kah/
• Detailed pronunciation: par (as in ‘par’) + ow + TEE (stressed) + kah
• Part of Speech: Adverb

Etymology:

• παρα- (para-): beside, alongside
• αὐτίκα (autika): immediately, at once
• Combined to express momentary or present time

D – Defining Meanings

• Momentary
• For the present
• Temporary

For compound words:
παρα- modifies αὐτίκα’s sense of immediacy to emphasize brief duration rather than quick occurrence

Translation Options:

• “Momentary” – emphasizes brevity
• “For the present” – stresses current but temporary nature
• “Light and fleeting” – captures both brevity and insignificance

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πρόσκαιρος (proskairos) /PROS-kai-ros/ – temporary, but with less emphasis on immediacy
• βραχύς (brachys) /bra-KHEES/ – short, brief in general
• ὀλιγοχρόνιος (oligochronios) /ol-ig-o-KHRO-nee-os/ – of short duration

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As an adverb, παραυτίκα is:

• Indeclinable (maintains same form)
• Usually modifies adjectives or verbs
• Can function as an adjective with the article
• Often used in neuter accusative as adverbial phrase

Cross-references:

• παραυτός (parautos) – immediately
• αὐτίκα (autika) – at once

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its temporal aspect of brief duration. Thayer’s notes its contrast with eternal things. LSJ documents classical usage for immediate but passing circumstances. Vine’s highlights its significance in Paul’s contrast of temporal and eternal. Moulton and Milligan note its common usage in papyri for temporary situations.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“For this [παραυτίκα] light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Corinthians 4:17)

Additional References:
None in the New Testament

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παραυτίκα powerfully expresses the brief, passing nature of present circumstances, particularly significant in Paul’s contrast between temporal afflictions and eternal glory.

D – Did You Know?

• The word appears in a verse often used to comfort Christians facing persecution
• Its usage helped shape early Christian perspectives on suffering
• The term influenced Christian philosophical discussions about time and eternity

[Lexicon Summary]
A compound adverb combining παρα (beside) with αὐτίκα (immediately), meaning “momentary” or “for the present.” Used in 2 Corinthians 4:17 to contrast temporary earthly afflictions with eternal glory. Emphasizes the brief, passing nature of present circumstances.

Part of speech: Adverb

Tags: #adverb #pauline_epistles #suffering #eternity #time #compound_word #biblical_greek #new_testament #persecution #hope​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​