a primary verb; to arrive, i.e. be present (literally or figuratively):--come.
Transliteration:hḗkō
Pronunciation:hay'-ko
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb hḗkō (`{{G2240}}`) is a primary verb meaning "to have come," "to be present," or "to arrive." Unlike verbs that primarily denote the *motion* of coming (e.g., erchomai `{{G2064}}`), hḗkō often emphasizes the *result* of the coming—the state of being present at a particular place or time. It can suggest a definitive, established arrival, or the culmination of a process leading to presence. Its semantic range extends from simple physical arrival to the arrival of abstract concepts or pivotal moments in time, often with an implication of destiny or fulfillment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
hḗkō appears in several significant contexts within the New Testament:
* **Matthew 24:50 / Luke 12:46:** In these parallel passages, Jesus warns of the master's unexpected hḗkō ("coming") to his servant. Here, the word underscores the sudden, unannounced arrival for the purpose of judgment and accountability, emphasizing the state of being present at an unforeseen moment.
* **John 2:4:** Jesus declares to his mother, "My hour has not yet hḗkō ("come")." This is a profound statement indicating that the divinely appointed time for his full public ministry and the revelation of his glory had not yet arrived. It highlights the concept of divine timing and the preordained nature of significant events in salvation history.
* **John 4:47:** "When this man heard that Jesus had hḗkō ("come") from Judea to Galilee, he went to him..." This refers to Jesus' physical arrival in Galilee, perhaps carrying the nuance of his established presence in the region after his journey.
* **Romans 11:26:** Citing Isaiah, Paul states, "The Deliverer will hḗkō ("come") from Zion; he will banish ungodliness from Jacob." This refers to the future, certain arrival of Christ, emphasizing the definitive nature of His coming to bring about the salvation of Israel.
* **Hebrews 10:9:** "Then he added, 'Here I am, I have hḗkō ("come") to do your will.'" This verse speaks of Christ's incarnation—His definitive arrival into the world—as the fulfillment of God's redemptive will, establishing the new covenant.
* **2 Peter 3:10:** "But the day of the Lord will hḗkō ("come") like a thief." Similar to the Synoptic passages, this emphasizes the sudden, unexpected, and definitive arrival of the eschatological Day of the Lord, bringing transformative judgment.
* **Revelation 2:25 / 3:3:** In messages to the churches, Christ declares, "hold fast to what you have until I hḗkō ("come")" and warns, "I will hḗkō ("come") like a thief." These uses refer to Christ's definitive coming to the churches, implying a purposeful arrival for commendation or judgment, often with an element of surprise for the unprepared.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ἔρχομαι (erchomai, `{{G2064}}`):** While both hḗkō and erchomai can be translated "come," erchomai typically focuses on the *movement* or *process* of coming, whereas hḗkō often emphasizes the *arrival* and the *state of being present* as a result of that movement. hḗkō can convey a sense of finality or established presence.
* **παρουσία (parousia, `{{G3952}}`):** This noun means "presence" or "coming" and is frequently used for the Second Coming of Christ. While parousia denotes the *state* of being present or the *event* of arrival, hḗkō is the verb describing the *action* of arriving and being present, thus sharing a strong semantic field in eschatological contexts.
* **φθάνω (phthanō, `{{G5348}}`):** Meaning "to arrive," "to come before," or "to attain," phthanō shares the concept of arrival. However, phthanō can carry a nuance of arriving *ahead of time* or *unexpectedly* in a way that *precedes* something else, whereas hḗkō is more generally about the *fact* of definitive arrival.
* **Key Concepts:** Divine timing, fulfillment of prophecy, eschatological judgment, Christ's incarnation, and the certainty of His return.
### Theological Significance
The verb hḗkō (`{{G2240}}`) carries profound theological implications, particularly in its application to divine and eschatological events:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Timing:** The use of hḗkō to describe Jesus' "hour" ([[John 2:4]]) or the "Day of the Lord" ([[2 Peter 3:10]]) powerfully underscores God's sovereign control over history and time. It signifies that pivotal moments are not random but arrive according to a meticulously orchestrated divine plan, highlighting the certainty and purposefulness of these arrivals.
2. **Fulfillment of Redemptive Purpose:** When applied to Christ's coming into the world ([[Hebrews 10:9]], [[Romans 11:26]]), hḗkō emphasizes the fulfillment of God's ancient promises and the culmination of His redemptive plan. Christ's arrival is presented not as an incidental event but as the definitive establishment of the new covenant and the realization of salvation.
3. **Eschatological Certainty and Accountability:** The frequent association of hḗkō with the unexpected coming of the master or the Day of the Lord ([[Matthew 24:50]], [[Luke 12:46]], [[Revelation 3:3]]) serves as a potent reminder of eschatological certainty and the call to vigilance. This definitive arrival brings with it judgment and accountability, urging believers to live in constant readiness and faithfulness.
4. **Christ's Authoritative Presence:** In contexts referring to Christ's return or His presence among His churches ([[Revelation 2:25]], [[Revelation 3:3]]), hḗkō conveys the authority and effectiveness of His arrival. It is a coming that establishes a new reality, whether for blessing or for righteous judgment, demonstrating His ultimate dominion.
### Summary
The Greek verb hḗkō (`{{G2240}}`) signifies "to arrive" or "to be present," emphasizing the definitive nature of an arrival and the state of being established. Distinct from verbs focusing on the *process* of coming, hḗkō highlights the *resultant presence*. Its usage in the New Testament is rich with theological meaning, particularly in describing divinely appointed moments. It underscores God's sovereign control over time and the certain fulfillment of His redemptive purposes, from Christ's incarnation to His promised return. Furthermore, hḗkō serves as a powerful reminder of eschatological accountability, urging believers to live in watchful readiness for the Lord's certain and purposeful hḗkō.
TRV