from εὔκαιρος; to have good time, i.e. opportunity or leisure:--have leisure (convenient time), spend time.
Transliteration:eukairéō
Pronunciation:yoo-kahee-reh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb εὐκαιρέω (eukairéō, `{{G2119}}`) is derived from the adjective εὔκαιρος (eukairos, `{{G2118}}`), meaning "timely" or "opportune." Consequently, the verb signifies "to have good time," "to have leisure," or "to have a convenient or opportune moment." It does not merely denote the passage of time (χρόνος, `{{G5550}}`) but rather the qualitative aspect of time, emphasizing the availability of a suitable or favorable moment (καιρός, `{{G2540}}`) for a particular purpose. The "leisure" implied by εὐκαιρέω is not necessarily idleness, but rather the freedom or opportunity to engage in an activity, whether it be rest, discussion, or travel. Its semantic range thus encompasses both the presence of an unencumbered period and the opportune nature of that period.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb εὐκαιρέω appears in the New Testament in a few significant contexts, each illuminating a distinct facet of its meaning:
* **[[Mark 6:31]]**: "And he said to them, 'Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.' For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat." Here, εὐκαιρέω describes the disciples' lack of opportunity or convenient time to even attend to basic needs like eating, due to the incessant demands of ministry and the crowds. It highlights the physical and mental exhaustion that can accompany dedicated service, emphasizing the legitimate need for periods of rest and recuperation, even for those engaged in divine work.
* **[[1 Corinthians 16:12]]**: "Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his will to come now. He will come when he has opportunity." In this instance, εὐκαιρέω refers to the absence of a "convenient time" or "opportune moment" for Apollos to travel to Corinth. This suggests that his decision was not one of reluctance or disobedience, but rather a practical constraint or a sense that the timing was not yet right, perhaps implying divine orchestration of circumstances. The opportune moment for his journey had not yet presented itself.
* **[[Acts 17:21]]**: "(Now all the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there would spend their time in nothing else but telling or hearing something new.)" This verse uses εὐκαιρέω to describe the Athenians' habit of having ample "leisure" or "time" specifically for intellectual discussion and the pursuit of novel ideas. In this context, the "leisure" is not for rest but for engaging in discourse. The implication, however, is often one of misspent time or a preoccupation with trivialities, as they were "always eager to hear something new" rather than the profound truths of the gospel.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding εὐκαιρέω is enriched by its relationship to other Greek terms concerning time and opportunity:
* **εὔκαιρος (eukairos, `{{G2118}}`)**: The root adjective, meaning "opportune" or "timely." It speaks to the quality of a moment, indicating its suitability or favorability. εὐκαιρέω is the verbal expression of possessing such a moment.
* **καιρός (kairos, `{{G2540}}`)**: This noun denotes a "set time," an "appointed time," or a "critical moment." It is qualitative time, emphasizing the rightness or significance of a specific period, in contrast to χρόνος (chronos, `{{G5550}}`), which refers to chronological or quantitative time. εὐκαιρέω signifies the *having* of a καιρός.
* **χρόνος (chronos, `{{G5550}}`)**: General, sequential time. While εὐκαιρέω operates within χρόνος, its focus is on the opportune nature of a specific segment of that time, rather than its duration.
* **σχολή (scholē, `{{G4969}}`)**: This noun means "leisure" or "school." It carries the connotation of time free from work, often for study or discussion. The usage of εὐκαιρέω in [[Acts 17:21]] aligns well with the concept of σχολή, where "leisure" is dedicated to intellectual pursuits.
### Theological Significance
The occurrences of εὐκαιρέω, though few, carry significant theological weight:
* **Divine Providence and Timing**: The concept of having or lacking an "opportune time" (as seen with Apollos in [[1 Corinthians 16:12]]) subtly points to God's sovereign hand in orchestrating circumstances. Opportunities, or the lack thereof, can be part of God's perfect timing and plan for individuals and for the advance of His kingdom.
* **Stewardship of Time**: The word underscores the importance of how one utilizes the time and opportunities afforded. While [[Mark 6:31]] highlights the legitimate need for rest and the challenge of overwhelming demands, [[Acts 17:21]] serves as a cautionary tale against misspent leisure, where time and intellectual energy are consumed by trivialities rather than engaging with eternal truths. Believers are called to "make the best use of the time" (Ephesians 5:16), which inherently involves discerning and seizing opportune moments for God's glory.
* **The Demands of Ministry**: The disciples' inability to find time to eat in [[Mark 6:31]] vividly illustrates the intense and often overwhelming nature of ministry. It affirms the reality of physical limitations even in spiritual service and implicitly validates the need for rest and Sabbath principles for those serving God.
### Summary
εὐκαιρέω (eukairéō, `{{G2119}}`) signifies "to have opportune time," "to have leisure," or "to have a convenient moment." It emphasizes the qualitative aspect of time, focusing on the suitability or favorability of a period for a specific action. In the New Testament, it describes the disciples' lack of time for rest due to ministry demands ([[Mark 6:31]]), Apollos's lack of a convenient opportunity to travel ([[1 Corinthians 16:12]]), and the Athenians' habit of having ample leisure for intellectual discourse ([[Acts 17:21]]). Theologically, εὐκαιρέω speaks to divine providence in orchestrating opportunities, the critical importance of good stewardship of time, and the practical realities and demands inherent in devoted service to God.
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