The Greek word hḗkō, represented by G2240, is a primary verb meaning to arrive or be present. It appears 29 times across 26 unique verses in the Bible. The term is used both literally, to describe the physical arrival of a person, and figuratively, to denote the coming of a significant time, event, or judgment.
The verb G2240 often carries a sense of completed action, emphasizing the state of having arrived and thus being present at a particular place or moment, rather than merely the process of coming. This nuance imbues its usage with a definitive quality, signaling that an event or person has reached its appointed juncture, establishing a new reality or circumstance. Whether describing a physical presence or the onset of an epoch, G2240 underscores the accomplished fact of arrival and the subsequent reality of its presence.
In the biblical narrative, G2240 is used to mark pivotal moments of arrival. It describes the physical journey of people, such as when many came to hear Paul in Rome Acts 28:23 or when the prodigal son is come home Luke 15:27. More significantly, it announces eschatological events, such as when the "end" shall come Matthew 24:14 or when the "day of the Lord" will come as a thief 2 Peter 3:10. The word is also used by Jesus to describe his own mission, stating "I come... to do thy will, O God" Hebrews 10:9 and his future return, warning that he will come at an unexpected hour Revelation 3:3.
Beyond its general application to physical and eschatological arrivals, G2240 frequently highlights the arrival of a divinely appointed or predetermined moment. This is evident in statements like Jesus declaring, "mine hour is not yet come" John 2:4, signifying a specific, predestined time for His actions. Similarly, the phrase points to the fulfillment of a temporal condition, such as when Jesus foretells, "Ye shall not see me, until the time come when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord" Luke 13:35. Furthermore, the verb is used to describe the origin of a person's arrival, as when the nobleman in Capernaum heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee John 4:47, or when Jesus himself states, "I proceeded forth and came from God" John 8:42, underscoring the source and authority of His presence.
Several related words provide a fuller context for the concept of arrival and presence:
- G2064 érchomai (to come or go): This is a more general term for coming or going and is often used in parallel with hḗkō. In John 6:37, those the Father gives to Jesus shall come (hḗkō) to him, and the one that cometh (érchomai) will not be cast out.
- G4328 prosdokáō (to anticipate... to await): This word describes the act of waiting for an arrival. It is used in a parable where the lord will come (hḗkō) at a day and hour when his servant looketh not for him Luke 12:46.
- G1127 grēgoreúō (to keep awake, i.e. watch): This emphasizes the need for vigilance in anticipation of an arrival. Jesus warns that if a church does not watch, he will come upon them like a thief Revelation 3:3.
- G5549 chronízō (to take time, i.e. linger): This word describes a delay in coming and stands in contrast to an imminent arrival. It is used to affirm that "he that shall come will come, and will not tarry" Hebrews 10:37.
- G2250 hēméra (day): This noun frequently serves as the temporal context for an arrival marked by G2240. The "day" or "hour" is often precisely what "comes," emphasizing the appointed nature of an event's onset.
The theological weight of G2240 is centered on the certainty and significance of divine arrivals.
- The Advent of Christ: The word refers to both Christ's first and second comings. His incarnation is described as the moment the Son of God is come 1 John 5:20. His future return is an event believers must prepare for, holding fast "till I come" Revelation 2:25.
- The Arrival of Judgment: G2240 is frequently used to announce a time of reckoning. The plagues on Babylon shall come in a single day Revelation 18:8, and Jesus warns that days of destruction shall come upon Jerusalem Luke 19:43.
- The Ingathering of Believers: The term signifies the gathering of God's people. It is promised that many shall come from the east and west to sit in the kingdom of heaven Matthew 8:11 and that all nations shall come and worship before God Revelation 15:4.
- The Fulfillment of Appointed Time: G2240 often emphasizes that an arrival occurs at a specific, predetermined moment, underscoring God's sovereign timing. This is seen in Jesus' statement, "mine hour is not yet come" John 2:4, indicating a divinely appointed schedule for His ministry. It also marks the fulfillment of prophecies concerning the onset of specific periods, such as the "days shall come upon thee" for Jerusalem's destruction Luke 19:43.
The verb G2240 hḗkō signifies more than simple movement; it denotes a decisive arrival and the subsequent state of being present. This word consistently conveys the certainty that something or someone has reached its intended destination or appointed juncture, establishing a new reality. It moves beyond the mere act of coming to emphasize the accomplished fact of presence, whether physical or temporal.
Throughout the New Testament, G2240 applies to a wide spectrum of arrivals. It describes the physical journey and presence of individuals, from those gathering to hear Paul in Rome Acts 28:23 to the return of the prodigal son Luke 15:27. Crucially, it marks the predestined onset of significant times and events, such as the coming of "the hour" for Christ's ministry John 2:4 or the appointed "days" of judgment upon a city Luke 19:43. It also articulates the origin of a presence, particularly for Christ's divine mission, as when He declares, "I proceeded forth and came from God" John 8:42.
Theologically, G2240 carries profound weight, affirming the certainty of God's unfolding plan. It underscores the dual advents of Christ—His incarnation ("the Son of God is come" 1 John 5:20) and His anticipated return ("hold fast till I come" Revelation 2:25)—as definitive moments in salvation history. It highlights the inevitable arrival of divine judgment, such as the plagues on Babylon Revelation 18:8, and the promised ingathering of believers from all corners of the earth Matthew 8:11. Furthermore, the use of G2240 reinforces the concept of God's sovereign timing, assuring that all events unfold according to His precise and unalterable schedule.
In essence, G2240 is a powerful linguistic marker, indicating that God's purposes, whether in personal narratives, historical events, or eschatological climaxes, will undeniably and definitively come to pass and be fully present.
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