adverb from εὐθύς; directly, i.e. at once or soon:--anon, as soon as, forthwith, immediately, shortly, straightway.
Transliteration:euthéōs
Pronunciation:yoo-theh'-oce
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb εὐθέως (euthéōs, `{{G2112}}`) derives from the adjective εὐθύς (euthys, `{{G2117}}`), which fundamentally means "straight" or "direct." As an adverb, εὐθέως carries the primary meaning of "directly" in terms of time or sequence. Its semantic range encompasses "immediately," "at once," "forthwith," "straightway," "as soon as," and occasionally "shortly" or "anon." It conveys the idea of promptness, suddenness, or an action occurring without any intervening delay, either directly following a preceding event or initiating a new one without hesitation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
εὐθέως is employed extensively throughout the New Testament, with a notably high concentration in the Gospel of Mark (over 40 occurrences). Mark's frequent use of this adverb contributes significantly to the Gospel's characteristic sense of urgency, dynamism, and rapid progression of events in Jesus' ministry.
Examples in Mark illustrate its force:
* In [[Mark 1:10]], "And *immediately*, coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove." Here, εὐθέως emphasizes the instantaneous divine attestation to Jesus' baptism.
* [[Mark 1:12]] states, "And *immediately* the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness." This highlights the compelling and urgent nature of the Spirit's direction for Jesus.
* The disciples' response to Jesus' call is described with similar immediacy: "And *immediately* they left their nets and followed Him" ([[Mark 1:18]]). This demonstrates their prompt and decisive obedience.
* [[Mark 1:21]] notes, "Then they went into Capernaum, and *immediately* on the Sabbath He entered the synagogue and taught." This signifies the swift commencement of Jesus' public teaching ministry.
Beyond Mark, εὐθέως also appears in other Gospels and Acts, maintaining its sense of instantaneous action:
* [[Matthew 3:16]] parallels Mark's account of Jesus' baptism, using εὐθέως for the immediate divine manifestation.
* In [[Luke 5:25]], regarding the paralytic, "And *immediately* he rose up before them, took up what he had been lying on, and departed to his own house, glorifying God." This underscores the instantaneous and undeniable nature of the healing.
* The healing of Saul's blindness is similarly swift: "And *immediately* there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized" ([[Acts 9:18]]).
In the Epistles, its use continues to denote promptness:
* [[Philippians 2:23]]: "Therefore I hope to send him *at once*, as soon as I see how it goes with me." Here, it refers to Paul's intention for swift action.
* [[Galatians 1:16]]: Paul states, "I did not *immediately* consult with flesh and blood," emphasizing the direct and unmediated nature of his revelation and call.
### Related Words & Concepts
εὐθέως (euthéōs, `{{G2112}}`) is the adverbial form of εὐθύς (euthys, `{{G2117}}`), which can function as an adjective meaning "straight," "level," or "right," or as an adverb meaning "straightway" or "immediately." The close etymological link reinforces the idea of directness and lack of deviation in time.
Other Greek words that convey similar temporal immediacy include:
* παραχρῆμα (parachrēma, `{{G3916}}`): Often translated as "at once" or "instantly," sometimes emphasizing the very moment an action occurs.
* ταχέως (tacheōs, `{{G5035}}`): Meaning "quickly" or "speedily," emphasizing the swiftness of an action rather than its directness or lack of interval.
The conceptual opposite of εὐθέως would involve words implying delay, procrastination, or a gradual, protracted process. The word's emphasis on immediate action contrasts with human tendencies toward hesitation or resistance.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of εὐθέως carries profound theological weight:
* **Divine Initiative and Power:** The frequent descriptions of healings, exorcisms, and divine interventions occurring εὐθέως underscore the unhindered efficacy of God's power and Christ's supreme authority. God's actions are immediate, decisive, and effective, not subject to delay or impediment. This highlights the immediacy of divine grace and intervention in human lives.
* **Urgency of the Kingdom:** Particularly in Mark's Gospel, the rapid succession of "immediately" statements creates a narrative drive that emphasizes the breaking in of the Kingdom of God. This urgency implies that the time for decision is now; there is no leisure for hesitation or procrastination in responding to Jesus' advent and message. The Kingdom's arrival demands an immediate and unreserved response.
* **Decisive Human Response:** εὐθέως also describes the prompt and unhesitating actions of those who encounter Jesus. The disciples' immediate abandonment of their former lives to follow Christ (e.g., [[Mark 1:18]]) serves as a model for the desired swiftness of obedience and faith. The word thus underscores the need for a decisive and immediate commitment to Christ.
* **Authenticity of Revelation:** In contexts such as Jesus' baptism or Paul's conversion, εὐθέως authenticates the direct and unmediated nature of divine revelation and intervention. The immediate manifestation of the Spirit or the immediate restoration of sight signals the undeniable reality of God's work.
### Summary
εὐθέως (euthéōs, `{{G2112}}`) is a pivotal Greek adverb meaning "immediately," "at once," or "straightway," derived from εὐθύς (euthys, `{{G2117}}`), signifying directness in time or action. Its pervasive use, especially in the Gospel of Mark, creates a narrative rhythm of urgency and rapid progression, highlighting the dynamic nature of Jesus' ministry and the inbreaking of God's Kingdom. Theologically, εὐθέως underscores the unhindered efficacy of divine power, as seen in instantaneous healings and revelations (e.g., [[Mark 1:10]], [[Acts 9:18]]). Furthermore, it often describes the decisive and prompt human response to Christ's call and power (e.g., [[Mark 1:18]]), emphasizing the necessity of immediate, obedient faith in the face of the gospel's pressing call.
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