from ἐν and ἵστημι; to place on hand, i.e. (reflexively) impend, (participle) be instant:--come, be at hand, present.
Transliteration:enístēmi
Pronunciation:en-is'-tay-mee
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb enístēmi (`{{G1764}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition en (ἐν), meaning "in" or "on," and the verb histēmi (ἵστημι, `{{G2476}}`), meaning "to stand" or "to cause to stand." The literal sense, therefore, is "to stand in" or "to stand upon." However, its usage in the New Testament leans heavily towards a temporal meaning, signifying proximity, imminence, or actual presence. The base definition provided, "to place on hand," aptly captures this sense of something being readily available, impending, or already arrived. Its semantic range thus encompasses notions of being "at hand," "present," "imminent," or "having come." It describes a state of being current or immediately approaching.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term enístēmi appears seven times in the New Testament, each instance contributing to a nuanced understanding of its temporal implications:
* **Romans 8:38**: "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Here, "things present" (τὰ ἐνεστῶτα) are contrasted with "things to come" (τὰ μέλλοντα), emphasizing the comprehensive scope of God's unyielding love, which transcends all temporal realities, both current and future.
* **1 Corinthians 3:22**: "whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come—all are yours." Similar to Romans 8:38, "things present" (εἴτε ἐνεστῶτα) are set against "things to come," underscoring the believer's rich inheritance in Christ, which encompasses all aspects of existence across time.
* **1 Corinthians 7:26**: "I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, that it is good for a man so to remain." The phrase "present distress" (τὴν ἐνεστῶσαν ἀνάγκην) refers to a current, pressing difficulty or urgent situation, likely related to the challenges faced by the Corinthian church, perhaps persecution or a general state of affliction. The word signifies that the distress is not merely anticipated, but actively upon them.
* **Galatians 1:4**: "who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father." Here, "this present evil age" (τοῦ ἐνεστῶτος αἰῶνος πονηροῦ) denotes the current epoch, characterized by sin and opposition to God. Christ's redemptive work is understood as a deliverance from the dominion and influence of this present reality.
* **2 Thessalonians 2:2**: "not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come." This verse is crucial for eschatology. The phrase "had come" or "is at hand" (ὅτι ἐνέστηκεν) refutes a false teaching that the Day of the Lord (or Day of Christ) had already arrived or was immediately impending without the preceding signs. Paul uses enístēmi to clarify that the Day has *not yet* commenced, urging against premature panic.
* **2 Timothy 3:1**: "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come." The future tense of enístēmi (ἐνστήσονται) indicates that "perilous times" are not just a possibility, but a certainty that *will* arrive and be present in the "last days." This serves as a warning and preparation for future difficulties.
### Related Words & Concepts
enístēmi is intrinsically linked to its root histēmi (ἵστημι, `{{G2476}}`), which denotes "to stand" or "to cause to stand." The addition of the prefix en- shifts the focus from mere standing to standing *in* or *upon* a particular point in time, hence signifying presence or imminence.
Other related concepts and words include:
* ἔρχομαι (erchomai, `{{G2064}}`): "to come," often referring to future events. While enístēmi can mean "to come," it carries a stronger connotation of being *already* present or *immediately* at hand, as opposed to a general future arrival.
* μέλλω (mellō, `{{G3195}}`): "to be about to," "to be destined to." This word often describes an event in the near future and is directly contrasted with enístēmi in passages like Romans 8:38, highlighting the distinction between what is *coming* and what is *present*.
* καιρός (kairos, `{{G2540}}`): "appointed time," "opportune time." enístēmi often describes the nature or presence of a specific kairos, such as "perilous times" ([[2 Timothy 3:1]]) or the "present distress" ([[1 Corinthians 7:26]]).
* αἰών (aiōn, `{{G165}}`): "age," "eon." enístēmi is used in conjunction with aiōn to describe the "present evil age" ([[Galatians 1:4]]), distinguishing it from the "age to come."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of enístēmi is multifaceted, touching upon eschatology, the nature of the Christian life in the present world, and the steadfastness of God's redemptive work.
1. **The Reality of the Present Age**: The phrase "this present evil age" ([[Galatians 1:4]]) is a foundational theological concept. enístēmi underscores that believers live in an epoch characterized by sin and the dominion of evil, from which Christ has delivered them. This highlights the ongoing tension between the "already" of salvation and the "not yet" of the consummation of God's kingdom. It necessitates a distinct Christian walk within a hostile environment.
2. **Eschatological Clarification**: In [[2 Thessalonians 2:2]], enístēmi plays a crucial role in correcting a false eschatological understanding. Paul's use of the perfect tense (ἐνέστηκεν) emphatically states that the Day of the Lord *has not* yet arrived, despite claims to the contrary. This teaches against speculative or premature declarations of the end times, emphasizing that specific events must precede the Day of the Lord. It promotes a sober and informed expectation rather than alarmism.
3. **God's Sovereignty Over Time**: When contrasted with "things to come" ([[Romans 8:38]], [[1 Corinthians 3:22]]), enístēmi emphasizes that God's love and the believer's inheritance are not limited by temporal states. Whether facing current trials ("things present") or anticipating future challenges ("things to come"), God's faithfulness remains constant. This provides profound assurance and stability for the believer.
4. **Anticipation of Future Peril**: The use of enístēmi in [[2 Timothy 3:1]] to describe the certain arrival of "perilous times" in the last days serves as a theological warning. It prepares believers for the reality of increasing difficulty and moral decay, urging vigilance and steadfastness in faith.
### Summary
The Greek word enístēmi (`{{G1764}}`) denotes the state of something being "at hand," "present," "imminent," or "having come." Etymologically rooted in "to stand in/on," it primarily conveys a temporal proximity or presence. Its New Testament occurrences reveal its significance in defining the "present evil age" from which Christ delivers believers and in clarifying eschatological timelines, particularly concerning the Day of the Lord. Furthermore, enístēmi highlights that neither current circumstances nor future events can separate believers from God's unwavering love and their secure inheritance in Christ. It serves as a reminder of the realities of the present world, the certainty of future challenges, and the enduring faithfulness of God through all time.
TRV