apparently from ἤ (or possibly ἦ) and δή; even now:--already, (even) now (already), by this time.
Transliteration:ḗdē
Pronunciation:ay'-day
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb ἤδη (ḗdē), Strong's number `{{G2235}}`, conveys the sense of "already," "by this time," or "even now." Its etymological root, often traced to ἤ (ē - "or") and δή (dē - an emphatic particle), suggests a nuance of emphasis on the present moment or a state that has already come to pass. Unlike a simple temporal indicator like νῦν (nyn - "now," `{{G3568}}`), ἤδη frequently implies a contrast with a previous state or a future expectation, highlighting that a particular condition or event is no longer in the future but is a present reality or has already been accomplished. Its semantic range thus encompasses not merely the current moment but also the completion of an action or the establishment of a state prior to or by the present time.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ἤδη appears frequently in the New Testament, particularly prominent in the Gospel of John, where it often carries significant theological weight. In John, ἤδη underscores the *present* reality of salvation, judgment, and the Kingdom of God, often challenging the disciples' or listeners' future-oriented expectations. For instance, in [[John 4:35]], Jesus tells His disciples, "Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, then comes the harvest'? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes and see that the fields are white for harvest *already*." Here, ἤδη emphasizes the immediate spiritual harvest, contrasting with a conventional agricultural timeline.
Similarly, [[John 5:24]] declares, "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life *already*." This profound statement uses ἤδη to assert that eternal life is a present possession for the believer, not merely a future hope. In [[John 9:27]], the formerly blind man tells the Pharisees, "I have told you *already*, and you would not listen," indicating a completed action of explanation.
In the Synoptic Gospels, ἤδη also functions to denote a present or completed state. For example, in [[Mark 4:37]], during the storm on the sea, "the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was *already* filling," indicating a progressive state of danger.
Pauline epistles also utilize ἤδη to emphasize urgency or established reality. [[Romans 13:11]] exhorts believers, "Besides this you know the time, that it is *already* the hour for you to wake from sleep," conveying an eschatological urgency. In [[Philippians 4:10]], Paul expresses gratitude, "I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned, but you had no opportunity *already*," referring to a prior, unfulfilled desire. The consistent use of ἤδη across various contexts highlights the immediacy, completion, or present reality of events and conditions within the divine economy.
### Related Words & Concepts
ἤδη stands in close relation to other temporal adverbs, but with distinct nuances. While νῦν (nyn - `{{G3568}}`) simply means "now" or "at this moment," ἤδη often carries the added implication of "already begun" or "by this time," emphasizing a state that has been established. It can be seen in contrast to ἔτι (eti - `{{G2089}}`), which means "yet" or "still," often used in negative constructions ("not yet"). For instance, if something has *not yet* happened (οὐκ ἔτι), then it has *not already* happened (οὐκ ἤδη). Conversely, if something has ἤδη happened, it is no longer in the future.
The concept of "realized eschatology" is deeply intertwined with the meaning and usage of ἤδη. This theological framework posits that the "last days" and aspects of the Kingdom of God are not solely future events but have *already* been inaugurated and are present realities through the person and work of Jesus Christ. ἤδη is a linguistic cornerstone for expressing this "already" dimension.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἤδη is profound, particularly in its contribution to the "already-not yet" tension that permeates New Testament eschatology. It serves as a powerful linguistic tool to articulate that the decisive acts of God in Christ—His incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection, and the outpouring of the Spirit—have *already* brought about a new reality.
In the Gospel of John, ἤδη is critical for understanding that eternal life is not merely a future reward but a present possession for those who believe ([[John 5:24]]). Judgment, too, is not solely a future event, but has *already* commenced for those who reject Christ ([[John 3:18]]). This challenges a purely future-oriented understanding of God's redemptive plan, asserting the present efficacy of Christ's work.
In the Pauline epistles, ἤδη emphasizes the urgency of Christian living in light of Christ's decisive intervention. The "hour" for awakening has ἤδη arrived ([[Romans 13:11]]), compelling believers to live in a manner consistent with their new identity in Christ. It underscores the completeness of Christ's work, which has ἤδη secured redemption and inaugurated a new covenant reality. The believer lives in the tension of what has ἤδη been accomplished in Christ and what is "not yet" fully consummated at His return. This calls for a faith that embraces the present reality of God's kingdom while eagerly awaiting its glorious culmination.
### Summary
The Greek adverb ἤδη (ḗdē - `{{G2235}}`) means "already," "even now," or "by this time," and is a crucial term for understanding the temporal and theological dimensions of the New Testament. It consistently emphasizes the present reality or the accomplished nature of an event or state, often contrasting with future expectations. Its frequent use, especially in John's Gospel, underscores the "already" aspect of New Testament eschatology, asserting that eternal life, judgment, and the Kingdom of God are not merely future hopes but have been decisively inaugurated and are presently accessible through Jesus Christ. The word thus calls believers to recognize and live in the immediate, transformative power of God's redemptive work, embracing the present reality of their salvation while anticipating the glorious "not yet" of Christ's return.
TRV