### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word νυνί (G3570), transliterated as *nyní*, serves as an emphatic form of the more common temporal adverb νῦν (G3568), meaning "now." The addition of the suffix -ι intensifies the temporal aspect, conveying a sense of immediacy, present reality, or a strong contrast with a preceding state. It can be translated as "just now," "at this very moment," "as things stand *at this instant*," or "at the present time, with emphasis on its distinctness." This intensifier often highlights a crucial turning point, a decisive present truth, or a stark change from a previous condition. Unlike a simple temporal marker, νυνί often carries rhetorical weight, drawing attention to the significance of the current moment in a theological or narrative context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The emphatic nature of νυνί is evident in various New Testament contexts, often marking a significant shift or a declaration of present truth.
In the Gospel of John, νυνί frequently underscores the fulfillment of divine purposes in the present. For instance, in [[John 13:31]], after Judas departs, Jesus declares, "Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him." Here, νυνί (νυνὶ ἐδοξάσθη) signals the immediate commencement of Jesus's glorification through His passion, a pivotal moment in salvation history. Similarly, in [[John 16:22]], Jesus reassures His disciples, "So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again," where νυνί (νυνὶ μὲν λύπην ἔχετε) emphasizes their current state of grief in contrast to future joy.
Paul's epistles frequently employ νυνί to highlight the transformative reality of the new covenant and life in Christ, often in conjunction with the adversative particle δέ ("but"). This "but now" (νυνὶ δέ) construction marks a decisive break from a former state of sin or bondage to the law:
* In [[Romans 6:22]], Paul writes, "But now that you have been set free from sin and have become enslaved to God..." (νυνὶ δὲ ἐλευθερωθέντες). This emphasizes the radical change in status for believers.
* Similarly, in [[Romans 7:6]], he states, "But now we are released from the law, having died to what held us captive..." (νυνὶ δὲ κατηργήθημεν). Here, νυνί underscores the believer's liberation from the law's condemning power, made possible by Christ's death.
* In [[Colossians 1:22]], Paul speaks of Christ, "But now he has reconciled you in his body of flesh by his death..." (νυνὶ δὲ ἀποκατήλλαξεν). This highlights the present reality of reconciliation achieved through Christ's sacrifice.
The emphatic "now" also appears in [[1 Corinthians 13:13]], where Paul concludes his discourse on love: "So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love" (νυνὶ δὲ μένει). Here, νυνί signifies the enduring nature of these virtues in the present age, in contrast to the passing nature of spiritual gifts.
### Related Words & Concepts
νυνί (G3570) is closely related to and often contrasted with several other Greek words pertaining to time:
* **νῦν (G3568):** The base word for νυνί, meaning "now." While both refer to the present, νυνί adds a layer of emphasis or immediacy that νῦν does not inherently possess.
* **ἄρτι (G737):** Meaning "just now" or "presently." Like νυνί, ἄρτι often denotes a very recent past or immediate present, but νυνί tends to carry more rhetorical weight in marking a significant shift.
* **ἤδη (G2235):** Meaning "already" or "by this time." This word emphasizes that a state or event has already been realized, sometimes with an element of surprise or urgency. While both ἤδη and νυνί point to present reality, ἤδη focuses on completion, whereas νυνί emphasizes the current moment as a turning point.
* **καιρός (G2540):** Refers to an "opportune time," "appointed time," or "season." Unlike νυνί, which focuses on the immediate "now," καιρός emphasizes the qualitative aspect of time, a moment significant for its purpose or opportunity.
* **χρόνος (G5550):** Denotes "time" in its general, quantitative sense, referring to duration or a period.
The concept of "the present age" or "this age" (ὁ νῦν αἰών) is also relevant, as νυνί often functions within the theological framework of a decisive shift from one epoch to another, particularly from the old covenant to the new.
### Theological Significance
The emphatic "now" conveyed by νυνί carries profound theological significance, particularly in Pauline theology and Johannine Christology:
1. **The Decisive Shift in Salvation History:** For Paul, νυνί frequently marks the radical discontinuity between the old creation/covenant and the new creation/covenant inaugurated by Christ. It emphasizes that believers are no longer under sin's dominion or the law's curse but have been decisively transferred into a new realm of grace and freedom in Christ (e.g., [[Romans 6:22]], [[Romans 7:6]], [[Colossians 1:22]]). This highlights the finished work of Christ as a definitive, present reality that transforms human existence.
2. **Eschatological Fulfillment in the Present:** In John's Gospel, νυνί often points to the present realization of eschatological realities. While the full consummation of God's kingdom is yet future ("not yet"), crucial aspects of salvation and judgment are "already" at work "now" through Christ's presence and actions (e.g., [[John 13:31]]). This underscores the imminence and power of God's redemptive plan unfolding in the current moment.
3. **Urgency and Call to Response:** The emphatic "now" can also convey a sense of urgency, calling for immediate recognition, faith, or action. It highlights that the present moment is critical for understanding or responding to divine truth.
4. **Divine Initiative and Efficacy:** The use of νυνί often underscores God's active and decisive intervention in human history. It points to the efficacy of Christ's work and the present reality of God's grace and power transforming lives.
### Summary
νυνί (G3570) is an emphatic form of the Greek word for "now," signifying "just now," "at this very moment," or "as things stand *at this instant*." Its primary function in the New Testament is to mark a crucial turning point, emphasize a decisive present reality, or highlight a stark contrast with a previous state. Theologically, νυνί is vital for understanding the Pauline concept of the new creation, where believers are "now" freed from sin and law through Christ's work. It also underscores the Johannine theme of eschatological fulfillment, where the "already" of God's redemptive plan is powerfully present. Thus, νυνί is not merely a temporal indicator but a word charged with theological weight, underscoring the immediacy and transformative power of God's actions in Christ.
TRV