perhaps from εὖ and τίθημι; straight, i.e. (literally) level, or (figuratively) true; adverbially (of time) at once:--anon, by and by, forthwith, immediately, straightway.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **euthýs**, represented by `{{G2117}}`, carries a dual meaning of both **straight** and **at once**. It appears **16 times** across **16 unique verses** in the Bible. Its base definition encompasses that which is literally level or figuratively true, and it is also used adverbially to signify something happening immediately, forthwith, or straightway.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G2117}}` is used in several distinct contexts. Literally, it describes making paths **straight** in preparation for the Lord ([[Matthew 3:3]]; [[Mark 1:3]]; [[Luke 3:4]]) and a physical road called the street **Straight** [[Acts 9:11]]. Figuratively, it denotes moral correctness, such as having a heart that is **right** in the sight of God [[Acts 8:21]] or following the **right** ways of the Lord [[Acts 13:10]]. Adverbially, it emphasizes immediacy, as when Jesus came up **straightway** from the water after his baptism [[Matthew 3:16]], when the Spirit **immediately** drives him into the wilderness [[Mark 1:12]], or when a person hears the word and **anon** receives it with joy [[Matthew 13:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words found in related passages expand on the concepts of straightness and moral alignment:
* `{{G4646}}` **skoliós** (crooked): This is the direct opposite of `{{G2117}}` and is defined as "warped, i.e. winding; figuratively, perverse". It is used in the prophecy that the **crooked** shall be made straight [[Luke 3:5]].
* `{{G1015}}` **bounós** (hill): This word for "a hillock" appears alongside `{{G2117}}` in the context of preparing the way of the Lord, where every **hill** shall be brought low as the crooked ways are made straight [[Luke 3:5]].
* `{{G1343}}` **dikaiosýnē** (righteousness): This term for "equity (of character or act)" is thematically linked to the figurative meaning of "right". In Acts, one who perverts the **right** ways of the Lord is described as an enemy of all **righteousness** [[Acts 13:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2117}}` is seen in its application to spiritual readiness and moral standing.
* **Messianic Preparation:** The prophetic command to make the Lord's paths **straight** connects a physical action to the spiritual preparation necessary for the Messiah's arrival ([[Matthew 3:3]]; [[Luke 3:4]]). This is further illustrated by the call for every valley to be filled and crooked ways to be made **straight** [[Luke 3:5]].
* **Divine Immediacy:** The adverbial usage highlights the swiftness of God's actions and spiritual realities. The Spirit acts **immediately** [[Mark 1:12]], Jesus' fame spreads **immediately** [[Mark 1:28]], and God will **straightway** glorify the Son [[John 13:32]], demonstrating divine power and purpose without delay.
* **Standard of Righteousness:** The word serves as a moral benchmark. A heart that is not **right** before God has no part in His work [[Acts 8:21]], and those who forsake the **right** way have gone astray [[2 Peter 2:15]]. To pervert the **right** ways of the Lord is to be an enemy of all righteousness [[Acts 13:10]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2117}}` is a versatile term that moves beyond a simple definition. It functions both to describe a literal **straight** path and to convey the immediacy of an action, such as "forthwith" or "straightway". Figuratively, it establishes a crucial theological concept of being morally **right** before God. From the prophetic cry to prepare the Lord's way to the condition of an individual's heart, **euthýs** illustrates the biblical demand for both immediate response and unwavering spiritual integrity.
TRV