from εὖ and καιρός; well-timed, i.e. opportune:--convenient, in time of need.
Transliteration:eúkairos
Pronunciation:yoo'-kahee-ros
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective εὔκαιρος (eúkairos, `{{G2121}}`) is a compound word derived from εὖ (eu, `{{G2095}}`), meaning "good" or "well," and καιρός (kairos, `{{G2540}}`), which denotes a specific, opportune, or critical time, as opposed to χρόνος (chronos, `{{G5550}}`), which refers to linear or chronological time. Therefore, εὔκαιρος fundamentally signifies "well-timed," "opportune," or "fitting for the occasion." Its semantic range includes concepts such as "convenient," "suitable," or occurring "in time of need." The emphasis is not merely on a moment in time, but on the *quality* or *appropriateness* of that moment for a particular action or purpose. It points to a moment that is advantageous, beneficial, or precisely what is required.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term εὔκαιρος appears twice in the New Testament, offering distinct yet complementary insights into its usage.
1. **[[Mark 6:31]]**: "And He said to them, 'Come away by yourselves to a secluded place and rest a while.' (For there were many people coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.)" Here, εὔκαιρος is translated as "leisure" or "convenient time." The context reveals Jesus' compassionate understanding of His disciples' exhaustion due to the constant demands of ministry. He sought an "opportune" or "suitable" moment for them to withdraw and rest, recognizing that such a moment was difficult to find amidst the pressing crowds. This usage highlights the practical and human need for a fitting time for recuperation.
2. **[[2 Timothy 4:2]]**: "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction." In this crucial pastoral exhortation, εὔκαιρος is translated as "in season" and is explicitly contrasted with its antonym, ἄκαιρος (akairos, `{{G176}}`), meaning "out of season" or "inopportune." Paul's command to Timothy is to proclaim the word relentlessly, not waiting for what might be perceived as the "perfect" or "convenient" moment. This challenges the human tendency to procrastinate or to act only when circumstances seem most favorable. Instead, it calls for an urgent, unwavering commitment to the gospel, implying that every moment is potentially a *kairos* for God's purposes, regardless of its perceived convenience.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is **καιρός (kairos, `{{G2540}}`)**, the root noun from which εὔκαιρος is derived, denoting a specific, opportune, or critical time. Its antonym, **ἄκαιρος (akairos, `{{G176}}`)**, meaning "unseasonable" or "inopportune," is directly contrasted with εὔκαιρος in [[2 Timothy 4:2]], underscoring the imperative of constant readiness in ministry. The prefix **εὖ (eu, `{{G2095}}`)**, meaning "good" or "well," emphasizes the positive and advantageous nature of the "well-timed" moment. The word also implicitly relates to concepts such as divine timing, readiness for service, the urgency of the gospel message, and the practical wisdom of discerning appropriate moments for action or rest. It stands in contrast to **χρόνος (chronos, `{{G5550}}`)**, which refers to the quantitative, sequential flow of time, whereas εὔκαιρος speaks to the qualitative, significant moment within that flow.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of εὔκαιρος is multifaceted, speaking to both divine providence and human responsibility. In [[Mark 6:31]], Jesus' search for an εὔκαιρος moment for His disciples' rest demonstrates a divine care for human well-being and a recognition of practical needs. It subtly points to God's understanding of human limitations and His provision for rest and renewal.
However, the more profound theological weight lies in [[2 Timothy 4:2]]. The command to preach "in season and out of season" transcends the human inclination to seek out only the εὔκαιρος moment. It implies that for the proclamation of God's Word, *every* moment is *kairos* because the urgency of the gospel and the Lord's command supersede any personal assessment of convenience or opportune timing. This challenges believers to cultivate a perpetual readiness and faithfulness, recognizing that the effectiveness of the message does not depend on the perceived favorability of external circumstances, but on the power of God and the obedience of His servants. It underscores the truth that God's purposes often unfold in what humans might consider "inopportune" times, yet these very moments become divinely appointed.
### Summary
The Greek word εὔκαιρος (eúkairos, `{{G2121}}`) precisely conveys the concept of a "well-timed," "opportune," or "convenient" moment. In [[Mark 6:31]], it reflects Jesus' compassionate desire to find a suitable time for His disciples to rest, highlighting the practical need for appropriate timing in human affairs. More significantly, in [[2 Timothy 4:2]], its juxtaposition with its antonym, ἄκαιρος (akairos, `{{G176}}`), reveals a profound theological imperative: the gospel must be proclaimed relentlessly, "in season and out of season." This command challenges believers to move beyond human calculations of convenience, embracing a perpetual readiness for ministry, recognizing that God's redemptive purposes often unfold regardless of human-perceived opportune moments. Thus, εὔκαιρος speaks to both the wisdom of discerning the right moment and the spiritual urgency that compels action even when circumstances seem unfavorable, ultimately pointing to the qualitative nature of time as it relates to divine will and human obedience.
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