adverb from εὔκαιρος; opportunely:--conveniently, in season.
Transliteration:eukaírōs
Pronunciation:yoo-kah'-ee-roce
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb εὐκαίρως (eukaírōs - `{{G2122}}`) is derived from the adjective εὔκαιρος (eúkairos - `{{G2119}}`), which itself is a compound of εὖ (eu - "good" or "well") and καιρός (kairos - `{{G2540}}`, "time," "season," "opportune moment"). Therefore, εὐκαίρως literally means "at a good time," "well-timed," or "opportunely." Its semantic range encompasses notions of convenience, suitability, and the right moment for a particular action. Unlike χρόνος (chronos - `{{G5550}}`), which refers to linear, chronological time, καιρός denotes a qualitative, decisive, or appointed time. Thus, εὐκαίρως implies not just any time, but a moment that is fitting, advantageous, or strategically appropriate for a given purpose.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The adverb εὐκαίρως appears twice in the New Testament, each instance offering distinct contextual nuances:
1. **[[Mark 14:11]]**: "And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might betray him εὐκαίρως."
* Here, εὐκαίρως describes Judas Iscariot's deliberate search for an "opportune" or "convenient" moment to betray Jesus. This does not imply a divinely appointed time for Judas, but rather a moment that would be advantageous for his treacherous plan, such as when Jesus was away from the crowds or in a vulnerable position. The term highlights the calculated and strategic nature of Judas's actions, emphasizing his intent to execute the betrayal under optimal conditions for himself and the authorities.
2. **[[2 Timothy 4:2]]**: "Preach the word; be instant εὐκαίρως, ἀκαίρως; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine."
* In this pivotal pastoral charge from Paul to Timothy, εὐκαίρως is paired with its antonym, ἀκαίρως (akairōs - `{{G170}}`, "inopportunely" or "out of season"). The phrase "in season and out of season" (εὐκαίρως, ἀκαίρως) is a powerful idiom commanding unceasing readiness and persistence in proclaiming the Gospel. It signifies that the minister of the Word must be prepared to preach regardless of whether the circumstances are favorable, receptive, or convenient ("in season"), or unfavorable, difficult, or inconvenient ("out of season"). This underscores the urgency and non-negotiable nature of the evangelistic and teaching commission.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of εὐκαίρως is enriched by its relationship to other Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **καιρός (kairos - `{{G2540}}`)**: The foundational noun, signifying a specific, appointed, or opportune time, often with a sense of divine purpose or critical juncture. εὐκαίρως is directly derived from this concept.
* **εὔκαιρος (eúkairos - `{{G2119}}`)**: The adjective form, meaning "well-timed," "opportune," or "convenient."
* **ἀκαίρως (akairōs - `{{G170}}`)**: The direct antonym, meaning "inopportunely" or "out of season." Its pairing with εὐκαίρως in [[2 Timothy 4:2]] creates a comprehensive command for continuous readiness.
* **χρόνος (chronos - `{{G5550}}`)**: Distinguished from καιρός, χρόνος refers to linear, chronological duration, emphasizing the quantity of time rather than its quality or opportune nature.
* **Concepts**: Timeliness, readiness, opportunity, divine appointment, convenience, strategic action, persistence, urgency in ministry.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of εὐκαίρως is primarily drawn from its use in [[2 Timothy 4:2]]. This verse forms a cornerstone for understanding the nature of Christian ministry and evangelism. The command to preach "in season and out of season" elevates the proclamation of the Gospel beyond mere human convenience or favorable circumstances. It asserts the timeless relevance and inherent necessity of God's Word, irrespective of the receptivity of the audience or the ease of the situation.
This imperative calls for a profound commitment to the mission, demanding that ministers be always prepared, vigilant, and proactive in sharing the truth. It suggests that the Spirit-empowered messenger does not wait for perfect conditions but creates opportunities through persistent effort and unwavering dedication. While Judas's search for an "opportune" time for betrayal in [[Mark 14:11]] highlights human sin and strategic malice, the command in [[2 Timothy 4:2]] reveals God's expectation for His servants to seize or create every possible moment for divine purposes, demonstrating a self-sacrificing readiness that mirrors the urgency of the Gospel itself.
### Summary
εὐκαίρως (eukaírōs - `{{G2122}}`) is a Greek adverb meaning "opportunely," "conveniently," or "in season," derived from the concept of καιρός (opportune time). Its two New Testament occurrences reveal contrasting yet profound applications. In [[Mark 14:11]], it describes Judas's calculated search for an advantageous moment to betray Jesus, underscoring the deliberate nature of his treachery. Conversely, in [[2 Timothy 4:2]], it forms a crucial part of Paul's exhortation to Timothy to "preach the word; be instant εὐκαίρως, ἀκαίρως." This command emphasizes the unwavering and persistent readiness required for Christian ministry, urging the proclamation of the Gospel regardless of favorable or unfavorable circumstances. Theologically, εὐκαίρως highlights both human agency within the divine timeline and, more significantly, the urgent, non-negotiable call to faithful witness and service that transcends mere convenience, underscoring the timeless relevance of God's message.
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