from εὔκαιρος; a favorable occasion:--opportunity.
Transliteration:eukairía
Pronunciation:yoo-kahee-ree'-ah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun εὐκαιρία (eukairía), transliterated as "eukairía," is derived from the adjective εὔκαιρος (eúkairos) `{{G2119}}`, meaning "timely," "opportune," or "convenient." This adjective itself is a compound of εὖ (eu), meaning "good" or "well," and καιρός (kairós) `{{G2540}}`, which signifies a specific, appointed, or opportune time, as distinct from χρόνος (chronos) `{{G5550}}`, which denotes general chronological duration.
Therefore, εὐκαιρία fundamentally conveys the idea of a "good time," a "favorable occasion," or a "propitious moment." It is not merely any time, but precisely the *right* time, a window of opportunity that presents itself for a particular action or purpose. Its semantic range is tightly focused on the concept of "opportunity" or "convenient season."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word εὐκαιρία (eukairía) appears only twice in the New Testament, both instances being highly significant and revealing:
* **[[Matthew 26:16]]**: "And from that time he sought an opportunity to betray Him." (καὶ ἀπὸ τότε ἐζήτει εὐκαιρίαν ἵνα αὐτὸν παραδῷ.) Here, the subject is Judas Iscariot, who actively "sought" (ἐζήτει, from ζητέω `{{G2212}}`, to seek earnestly) a suitable moment to hand over Jesus. The "opportunity" is not passively received but deliberately pursued for a nefarious end.
* **[[Luke 22:6]]**: "So he consented and sought an opportunity to betray Him to them in the absence of a crowd." (καὶ ἐξωμολόγησεν καὶ ἐζήτει εὐκαιρίαν τοῦ παραδοῦναι αὐτὸν αὐτοῖς ἄτερ ὄχλου.) Luke's account parallels Matthew's, again emphasizing Judas's intentional search for the opportune moment, specifically one that would allow the betrayal to occur without the interference of the public. The "opportunity" here is defined by strategic timing and the absence of obstacles.
In both occurrences, εὐκαιρία is presented as a moment that, while objectively "favorable" for the intended action, is seized by a malevolent will. This highlights the ethical neutrality of "opportunity" itself; its moral quality is determined by the character and purpose of the one who perceives and utilizes it.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of εὐκαιρία is enriched by examining its linguistic relatives and conceptual parallels:
* **καιρός (kairós) `{{G2540}}`**: This is the foundational root, signifying an appointed or crucial time. εὐκαιρία is a specific, "good" instance of καιρός.
* **εὔκαιρος (eúkairos) `{{G2119}}`**: The adjective from which εὐκαιρία is directly derived, meaning "timely," "opportune," or "convenient."
* **εὐκαιρέω (eukaireō) `{{G2118}}`**: The verb form, meaning "to have opportunity" or "to have leisure." It appears in passages like [[Mark 6:31]] ("had no leisure even to eat") and [[1 Corinthians 16:12]] ("he will come when he has opportunity"), demonstrating the positive application of having a favorable moment.
* **ἀκαιρέομαι (akaireomai) `{{G171}}`**: This verb, found in [[Philippians 4:10]], means "to lack opportunity" or "to be unseasonable." It serves as an antonym to the concept of εὐκαιρία, underscoring the value of having such a moment.
* **Discerning the Times**: A broader biblical concept (e.g., [[Matthew 16:3]], [[Luke 12:56]]) involves the spiritual ability to perceive and interpret the significance of specific moments or seasons, often in relation to God's redemptive plan.
* **Stewardship of Time**: Passages like [[Ephesians 5:16]] and [[Colossians 4:5]] (using καιρός but implying the concept of εὐκαιρία) exhort believers to "make the most of every opportunity" or "redeem the time," emphasizing responsible and wise utilization of favorable moments for God's glory and the good of others.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of εὐκαιρία (eukairía), though limited in its direct occurrences, is profound. Its exclusive use in the betrayal narratives of Judas Iscariot highlights a critical truth: opportunities, even those that appear "favorable" or "convenient," are morally neutral and can be tragically misused. Judas's active seeking of εὐκαιρία underscores the deliberate nature of his sin; it was not a moment thrust upon him but one he eagerly pursued to execute his treacherous intent. This serves as a stark warning about the human capacity to leverage propitious circumstances for evil.
Conversely, while εὐκαιρία itself is not used in explicitly positive exhortations, the broader biblical concept of "opportune time" (καιρός) is central to Christian ethics and mission. Believers are called to discern and seize opportunities for good, for ministry, for witness, and for acts of love and service (e.g., [[Galatians 6:10]], where καιρός is used, but the underlying concept is that of a favorable moment for doing good). God's perfect timing (καιρός) in salvation history is a foundational theological truth, and humanity is often exhorted to respond appropriately to these divinely appointed moments. Thus, the study of εὐκαιρία, even in its negative context, implicitly calls the believer to a vigilant and righteous stewardship of the "good times" or "favorable occasions" that God provides, ensuring they are used for His glory rather than for self-serving or malevolent ends.
### Summary
εὐκαιρία (eukairía) denotes a "favorable occasion" or "opportune moment," derived from εὔκαιρος (eúkairos) `{{G2119}}`, meaning "timely," and ultimately from καιρός (kairós) `{{G2540}}`, an appointed or critical time. Its direct occurrences in the New Testament are uniquely found in the accounts of Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus ([[Matthew 26:16]] and [[Luke 22:6]]), where he actively "sought" an εὐκαιρία to carry out his wicked plan. This specific usage powerfully illustrates that "opportunity," while inherently neutral, can be eagerly pursued and exploited for malevolent purposes, revealing the true disposition of the human heart. While the word itself carries this somber connotation, its broader conceptual field, especially related to καιρός, underscores the biblical imperative for believers to discern and wisely utilize opportune moments for righteous action, contrasting sharply with the tragic misuse of opportunity demonstrated by Judas. The study of εὐκαιρία thus serves as a potent reminder of moral agency and the critical importance of aligning one's actions with God's will when presented with any "favorable occasion."
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