from ἐκ and the genitive case singular feminine of αὐτός (ὥρα being understood); from that hour, i.e. instantly:--by and by, immediately, presently, straightway.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ἐξαυτῆς (exautēs)**, represented by `{{G1824}}`, conveys the concept of immediacy, meaning **instantly** or **from that hour**. It appears **7 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible. The word signifies an action that happens without delay, often as a direct and swift response to a preceding event, command, or realization.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G1824}}` is used to emphasize the urgency and decisiveness of key actions. It describes a response to a divine message, as when Cornelius **immediately** sent for Peter after his vision [[Acts 10:33]]. It also highlights swift intervention in a crisis, such as the chief captain who **immediately** took soldiers to stop the beating of Paul [[Acts 21:32]]. The word can also convey the intensity of human desire, seen when Herodias's daughter demanded the head of John the Baptist **by and by**, or instantly [[Mark 6:25]]. Similarly, Paul expresses his intent to send Timothy **presently**, as soon as his own circumstances are clear [[Philippians 2:23]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words build on the theme of speed and action:
* `{{G2112}}` **euthéōs** (immediately): A close synonym that also means "at once or soon." It is frequently used to describe the instant results of Jesus's miracles, such as when a man's leprosy was cleansed **immediately** [[Matthew 8:3]].
* `{{G4710}}` **spoudḗ** (haste): This word focuses on the eagerness and earnestness behind an action. It is used in the account of Herodias's daughter coming with **haste** to make her demand [[Mark 6:25]], underscoring the intensity of the moment.
* `{{G3992}}` **pémpō** (to dispatch): This verb is often paired with `{{G1824}}` to show the swift execution of a mission. Cornelius states he **sent** for Peter **immediately** [[Acts 10:33]], and Paul hopes **to send** Timothy **presently** [[Philippians 2:23]].
* `{{G2701}}` **katatréchō** (to run down): This verb vividly portrays rapid movement. It is used in [[Acts 21:32]], where the chief captain **ran down** to intervene **immediately**, combining the adverb of time with a verb of swift physical action.
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{G1824}}` carries significant narrative weight, often highlighting moments of critical decision or divine timing.
* **Prompt Obedience:** The word underscores a faithful response to God. Cornelius’s decision to **immediately** send for Peter demonstrates his readiness to obey the heavenly vision without hesitation [[Acts 10:33]].
* **Urgent Intervention:** The immediacy conveyed by `{{G1824}}` can signal divine protection. The commander's choice to send Paul away **straightway** upon learning of a plot against him was a life-saving act of urgent intervention [[Acts 23:30]].
* **Sudden Realization:** In Peter's retelling of the events at Cornelius's house, he notes that **immediately** three men had come to him, emphasizing the sudden and divinely orchestrated nature of this pivotal moment in church history [[Acts 11:11]].
### Summary
In summary, **ἐξαυτῆς (exautēs)** functions as more than a simple indicator of time. It injects a sense of urgency and consequence into the narrative, marking actions that are both swift and pivotal. Whether describing faithful obedience, life-saving intervention, or even a wicked demand, `{{G1824}}` highlights moments where delay is not an option, revealing the critical timing within God's plan and human affairs.
TRV