The Greek word parautíka, represented by G3910, is a term for something momentary. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. The word is derived from παρά and αὐτός, conveying the idea of something that occurs at the very instant and is fleeting.
In its sole biblical appearance, G3910 is used to describe affliction as temporary. It appears in the phrase "our light affliction, which is but for a moment" 2 Corinthians 4:17. This specific usage contrasts the fleeting nature of present troubles with the "eternal weight of glory" that they produce. The word emphasizes the short duration of suffering when viewed from a divine and eternal perspective.
Several related words from its single context in 2 Corinthians 4:17 help clarify the meaning of G3910:
- G2347 thlîpsis (pressure... affliction, tribulation): This is the subject described as momentary. It refers to the suffering that believers endure, which is put into perspective by its short duration Romans 5:3.
- G1645 elaphrós (light, i.e. easy): This word is paired with thlîpsis to characterize the affliction as light. The same word is used to describe the burden of Christ in Matthew 11:30.
- G166 aiṓnios (perpetual... eternal, everlasting): This provides a direct contrast to the momentary nature of G3910. The affliction is temporary, but the resulting glory is eternal 2 Corinthians 4:17.
- G922 báros (weight... a load, abundance, authority): This word is used to describe the "weight of glory" that stands in opposition to the "light" affliction, emphasizing the immense and substantive nature of the eternal reward 2 Corinthians 4:17.
The theological weight of G3910 is concentrated entirely in its single use, where it establishes a crucial principle for understanding suffering.
- The Perspective on Affliction: By defining affliction as momentary, the word reframes the believer's experience of hardship. Troubles, defined as G2347 thlîpsis, are presented as temporary and not the final reality 2 Corinthians 4:17.
- The Productive Nature of Suffering: The momentary affliction is not pointless; it actively worketh G2716 for the believer. This connects the temporary experience of suffering directly to the production of an eternal outcome 2 Corinthians 4:17.
- The Divine Contrast: The primary theological function of G3910 is to create a sharp contrast between the temporary nature of this life's trials and the eternal G166 weight G922 of glory G1391 that is to come.
In summary, G3910 is more than a simple descriptor of time. Though used only once, it provides a powerful theological anchor, defining affliction as momentary in the face of an eternal G166 reality. It illustrates how a single, precise word can shape the entire meaning of a passage, contrasting the light and temporary nature of suffering with the immense and everlasting weight of glory it produces 2 Corinthians 4:17.
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