of uncertain affinity; an occasion, i.e. set or proper time:--X always, opportunity, (convenient, due) season, (due, short, while) time, a while. Compare χρόνος.
Transliteration:kairós
Pronunciation:kahee-ros'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term kairós (`{{G2540}}`) denotes a qualitative aspect of time, distinct from χρόνος (`{{G5550}}`), which refers to quantitative or chronological time. Fundamentally, kairós signifies the opportune moment, the right or appointed time, a season, or a divinely ordained occasion. It carries the nuance of a decisive, critical, or appropriate moment, often implying a window of opportunity that must be seized.
Its semantic range encompasses:
* **Appointed Time/Season:** A specific period determined by divine decree, natural order, or a pre-established plan (e.g., the harvest season, the designated time for a significant event).
* **Opportunity:** A favorable or advantageous moment for action, decision, or interaction.
* **Critical Juncture:** A decisive point in time where events unfold, or a crucial choice must be made.
* **Due Time:** The appropriate, fitting, or proper moment for something to occur or be done.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
kairós is a significant term in the New Testament, frequently employed to underscore God's sovereign timing and the corresponding human responsibility within that timing.
* **God's Appointed Time in Salvation History:**
* The Gospels frequently speak of the "time" (kairós) being fulfilled for the inauguration of God's kingdom. Jesus' inaugural message in [[Mark 1:15]] declares, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel." This is not merely a passage of chronological time but the divinely appointed, decisive moment for a new redemptive era.
* Paul echoes this profound truth in [[Galatians 4:4]]: "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law..." This highlights God's perfect, predetermined kairós for the incarnation and the climax of His redemptive plan.
* It also refers to future eschatological kairós, such as the "times of refreshing" from the presence of the Lord [[Acts 3:19]] or the "times and seasons" that the Father has fixed by His own authority [[Acts 1:7]], emphasizing that God remains in sovereign control of all future events.
* **Human Responsibility and Opportunity:**
* Believers are exhorted to "make the best use of the time" or "redeem the time" (ἐξαγοράζω τὸν καιρόν) in [[Ephesians 5:16]] and [[Colossians 4:5]]. This command is not merely about managing chronological hours but about recognizing and seizing the opportune moments for godly living, evangelism, and service in a world that is "evil" (`{{G4190}}`). It implies an active, discerning engagement with the present moment.
* The concept of "opportunity" for doing good is also conveyed, as in [[Galatians 6:10]]: "So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." This underscores the ethical imperative of discerning and acting upon the kairós for love and service.
* kairós can also denote a specific period of tribulation or difficulty, as in "a time of distress" [[Luke 21:23]] or "a time of testing" [[Hebrews 3:8]]. Even these challenging periods are seen as specific, divinely permitted seasons within God's overarching plan.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **χρόνος (`{{G5550}}`):** The most direct contrast to kairós. While both relate to time, χρόνος refers to the duration, sequence, or chronological passage of time (e.g., how long something takes), whereas kairós emphasizes the qualitative, decisive, or appropriate nature of a moment (e.g., when is the right moment?). One might have ample χρόνος but miss the crucial kairós.
* **ὥρα (`{{G5610}}`):** Meaning "hour" or "appointed hour." This term can sometimes overlap with kairós in meaning, particularly when referring to a specific, decisive moment (e.g., Jesus' "hour" for glorification in [[John 12:23]]). However, ὥρα is generally more precise, often a specific point or short duration within a broader kairós.
* **Redeeming the Time:** This biblical concept (ἐξαγοράζω τὸν καιρόν), found in [[Ephesians 5:16]] and [[Colossians 4:5]], is directly tied to kairós. It signifies the act of buying up or seizing the opportune moments, making the most of every God-given chance in a world that is hostile to divine purposes.
* **Divine Providence:** The concept of kairós is deeply intertwined with God's sovereign plan and His unfolding of history. It speaks to a God who acts purposefully, precisely, and on time, demonstrating His control over all events and seasons.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of kairós is profound, shaping our understanding of God's character, the nature of history, and human responsibility.
* **God's Sovereignty in Time:** kairós unequivocally underscores that time is not merely a neutral, linear progression but is infused with divine purpose and intentionality. God orchestrates history, bringing events to pass at their appointed, perfect kairós. The incarnation of Christ at the "fullness of time" [[Galatians 4:4]] stands as the supreme testament to God's precise and perfect timing in salvation history.
* **The Urgency of the Gospel:** The declaration that the "time is fulfilled" and the "kingdom of God is at hand" [[Mark 1:15]] imbues the gospel message with a profound sense of urgency. It calls for immediate repentance and faith, as the decisive kairós for salvation and entry into God's reign has arrived.
* **Ethical Imperative for Believers:** Recognizing the kairós compels believers to live intentionally and discerningly. "Redeeming the time" [[Ephesians 5:16]] means being spiritually alert to opportunities for ministry, witness, and good works, understanding that these moments are precious and finite. Our lives are to be lived in active response to God's opportune moments, discerning His will in the present.
* **Eschatological Expectation:** kairós also points to future, divinely appointed times, including the return of Christ and the consummation of God's kingdom. While the exact kairós for these ultimate events is known only to the Father [[Acts 1:7]], believers are called to live in readiness, expectation, and faithful stewardship until that final kairós arrives.
* **Discerning the Times:** Jesus rebuked those who could interpret the signs of the weather but not the "signs of the times" [[Matthew 16:3]], implying a spiritual discernment of the kairós of God's redemptive activity. This highlights the need for spiritual insight to perceive and respond to God's movements in history.
### Summary
kairós (`{{G2540}}`) is a pivotal New Testament term that defines time not by its quantitative duration but by its qualitative significance. It refers to the opportune, appointed, or decisive moment, often divinely ordained. Distinct from χρόνος (`{{G5550}}`), which denotes chronological time, kairós highlights a specific window of opportunity or a critical juncture in God's plan or human experience. Its profound theological weight underscores God's sovereign timing in salvation history—most notably in the incarnation of Christ—and calls believers to a vigilant, discerning, and responsible use of their lives. This includes "redeeming the time" by seizing opportunities for good, living in light of God's unfolding purposes, and anticipating the coming kingdom. It impresses upon us that every moment can be pregnant with divine possibility, demanding our spiritual attention and faithful response.
TRV