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 adverb ἐξαυτῆς (exautēs, `{{G1824}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek, "from, out of") and the genitive feminine singular of the demonstrative pronoun αὐτός (autos, "self, same"). The implied noun, though unstated, is ὥρα (hōra, "hour, time"). Thus, the literal meaning is "from that (very) hour" or "from that (very) moment." This etymology precisely defines its core semantic range: an action or event that occurs *instantly* or *immediately* from a specific point in time. It conveys a sense of unhesitating, sudden, or prompt execution, emphasizing the absence of delay. Unlike a more general "soon" or "presently," ἐξαυτῆς highlights a direct, unmediated consequence or initiation of an action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἐξαυτῆς appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels and Acts, consistently conveying the sense of immediate action:
* **[[Mark 6:25]]**: "And she came in *straightway* with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist." Here, ἐξαυτῆς underscores the suddenness and urgency of Salome's request, acting immediately upon her mother's instruction. This immediacy highlights the lack of reflection and the swift execution of a malicious demand.
* **[[Acts 10:33]]**: "Immediately therefore I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God." Cornelius uses ἐξαυτῆς to express the promptness with which he dispatched messengers to Peter after receiving the angelic vision. It signifies his eager and immediate obedience to divine instruction, demonstrating a heart prepared to receive God's word.
* **[[Acts 21:30]]**: "And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and *drew him out of the temple*: and *forthwith* the doors were shut." This verse describes the rapid and violent seizure of Paul by the agitated crowd in Jerusalem. The use of ἐξαυτῆς emphasizes the instantaneous nature of the mob's action, highlighting the suddenness of the assault and the immediate closure of the temple gates to prevent its defilement.
* **[[Acts 22:30]]**: "On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them." While the KJV translates this as "On the morrow," the Greek ἐξαυτῆς here refers to the immediate decision by the Roman commander to bring Paul before the Sanhedrin after realizing the complexity of the situation and the Jewish accusations. This signifies his immediate resolution to uncover the truth and resolve the conflict.
In each instance, ἐξαυτῆς precisely marks the commencement of an action or event at the very moment a preceding condition is met or a decision is made, emphasizing a lack of hesitation or delay.
### Related Words & Concepts
ἐξαυτῆς belongs to a cluster of Greek words conveying immediacy or speed, each with subtle nuances:
* **εὐθέως (eutheōs, `{{G2112}}`)**: This is perhaps the most common New Testament word for "immediately" or "straightway." While often interchangeable with ἐξαυτῆς in translation, εὐθέως generally denotes a promptness of action or a direct sequence, without necessarily emphasizing the "from that very moment" aspect as strongly as ἐξαυτῆς does. εὐθέως can describe a general quickness, whereas ἐξαυτῆς points to an instantaneous start from a specific temporal reference point.
* **παραχρῆμα (parachrēma, `{{G3916}}`)**: Literally "at the thing itself" or "at the moment." This word carries a very strong sense of instantaneousness, often used in contexts of miraculous healings to emphasize that the cure was immediate and complete, without any process or delay (e.g., healing of the paralytic, [[Luke 5:25]]). It highlights the absolute immediacy of the *result*.
* **ταχέως (tacheōs, `{{G5036}}`)** and **ταχύς (tachys, `{{G5035}}`)**: These terms relate to speed or quickness ("quickly," "swiftly"). While they imply a lack of delay, their primary focus is on the rapidity of the action, rather than its instantaneous onset from a specific point in time, which is the hallmark of ἐξαυτῆς.
The distinctiveness of ἐξαυτῆς lies in its explicit reference to the "hour" or "moment" from which an action commences without any intervening pause, making it particularly potent in describing direct, unhesitating responses or sudden, unlooked-for occurrences.
### Theological Significance
The concept of "immediacy" conveyed by ἐξαυτῆς carries significant theological weight in the biblical narrative.
1. **Divine Expectation of Human Response:** The promptness of Cornelius's action in [[Acts 10:33]] serves as a powerful example of the desired human response to divine revelation. There is no procrastination or hesitation; the command is heard, and the action is taken ἐξαυτῆς. This underscores the biblical call for immediate repentance, faith, and obedience to God's word, rather than delaying or deliberating.
2. **Urgency of the Gospel:** While not directly used in commands to preach, the underlying concept of immediacy aligns with the urgency of the Gospel message. The Kingdom of God is at hand, and the call to respond is not one that permits delay.
3. **Suddenness of Events:** The use of ἐξαυτῆς in describing the mob's actions in [[Acts 21:30]] and Salome's request in [[Mark 6:25]] highlights the sudden, often unpredicted, nature of human sin, violence, or decisive (and often negative) actions. This can serve as a sober reminder of the unpredictable turns of human events and the swiftness with which evil can manifest.
4. **Divine Providence and Human Agency:** Even in seemingly chaotic or spontaneous events, the immediate actions described by ἐξαυτῆς are often woven into the larger tapestry of God's sovereign plan, as seen in Paul's immediate seizure leading to his defense before various authorities. The immediate human response, whether obedient or rebellious, plays a part in the unfolding divine narrative.
The word subtly emphasizes that moments of decision or inception are critical, often leading to immediate and far-reaching consequences, both in human and divine interactions.
### Summary
ἐξαυτῆς (exautēs, `{{G1824}}`) is a potent Greek adverb meaning "from that very hour" or "instantly," emphasizing the immediate and unhesitating commencement of an action. Its etymology, combining ἐκ ("from") and αὐτῆς (genitive of "self," implying "hour"), precisely conveys this sense of instantaneousness from a specific temporal point. In its biblical occurrences, such as [[Mark 6:25]] and [[Acts 10:33]], it consistently highlights the promptness of a response or the suddenness of an event. While sharing semantic space with words like εὐθέως and παραχρῆμα, ἐξαυτῆς uniquely stresses the direct, unmediated onset of an action from a defined moment. Theologically, it underscores the biblical call for immediate obedience and faith, the urgency of spiritual matters, and the often-sudden nature of human and divine interventions in the unfolding narrative of salvation history.
TRV