### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb G3916 παραχρῆμα (parachrēma) is a compound word derived from παρά (para), meaning "beside" or "at," and χρῆμα (chrēma), which in its original sense referred to "a thing" or "a matter." The combination thus conveys the idea of "at the very thing itself" or "at the very moment of the event." This etymological root strongly emphasizes immediacy and lack of delay. Its core meaning denotes an action or event that occurs "instantly," "forthwith," "immediately," or "straightway," without any intervening time. Unlike words that merely suggest speed, παραχρῆμα highlights the instantaneous nature of an occurrence, often implying a direct and sudden consequence or manifestation. Its semantic range is tightly focused on the temporal aspect of absolute promptness.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G3916 παραχρῆμα appears exclusively in the New Testament, predominantly in the Gospel of Luke and the Book of Acts, underscoring the instantaneous nature of divine power and intervention. Its usage consistently highlights the immediate effect of a word or action, particularly in miraculous contexts.
In the Gospel of Luke, παραχρῆμα frequently describes instantaneous healings:
* In the healing of the paralytic, it is stated that the man "rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house" [[Luke 5:25]]. The immediacy underscores the undeniable power of Jesus.
* The woman with the issue of blood is healed "immediately" upon touching Jesus' garment [[Luke 8:44]]. This instant cessation of her ailment demonstrates the direct efficacy of faith and divine power.
* Similarly, the woman bent double for eighteen years was "immediately" straightened [[Luke 13:13]], and the blind man at Jericho "immediately" received his sight [[Luke 18:43]]. In each case, the adverb emphasizes the direct and complete nature of the healing, leaving no room for gradual improvement or doubt.
In the Book of Acts, παραχρῆμα continues to signify divine immediacy, often in dramatic displays of God's power, whether for healing, judgment, or liberation:
* Peter's healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate results in the man's feet and ankle bones receiving strength "immediately" [[Acts 3:7]], leading to instant walking and leaping.
* The judgment upon Ananias and Sapphira is marked by παραχρῆμα: Sapphira falls down and dies "immediately" upon Peter's rebuke [[Acts 5:10]], a stark demonstration of divine justice.
* Herod Agrippa's death is also described with παραχρῆμα: "And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost" [[Acts 12:23]]. This emphasizes the swift and direct consequence of his blasphemy.
* The conversion of the Philippian jailer and his household sees them baptized "immediately" after hearing the word of the Lord [[Acts 16:33]], signifying the prompt embrace of faith.
* Paul's sight is restored "immediately" when Ananias lays hands on him [[Acts 22:13]], marking the instantaneous reversal of his blindness and the beginning of his new spiritual vision.
Across these occurrences, παραχrῆμα consistently highlights the direct, undeniable, and often miraculous nature of the event, leaving no doubt as to its divine origin or supernatural cause.
### Related Words & Concepts
G3916 παραχρῆμα belongs to a cluster of Greek words conveying a sense of immediacy or swiftness, yet it carries its own distinct nuance.
* **G2112 εὐθέως (euthéōs):** This is perhaps the most common word translated "immediately" in the New Testament. While often interchangeable with παραχρῆμα in many contexts, εὐθέως can sometimes imply a sequence of events that follow quickly, whereas παραχρῆμα more strongly emphasizes the *instantaneous* nature of the action itself, often as a direct and sudden consequence or manifestation. παραχρῆμα often stresses the absolute lack of delay from the very moment of initiation.
* **G5035 τάχος (tachos) / G5034 ταχύ (tachy):** These terms denote "speed" or "quickly." While they imply promptness, they do not necessarily convey the same *instantaneous* quality as παραχρῆμα. One can do something quickly, but it may not be *at that very instant*.
* **G822 ἄρτι (arti):** Meaning "now" or "just now," ἄρτι refers to the present moment, but less specifically to the instantaneous initiation or completion of an action.
The concept conveyed by παραχρῆμα is deeply tied to the efficacy of divine power. It underscores the idea that when God or His authorized agents act, the result is not gradual or uncertain, but immediate and complete. This contrasts with human limitations, where results are often delayed or partial.
### Theological Significance
The consistent use of G3916 παραχρῆμα in miraculous accounts holds profound theological significance. It serves as a powerful testament to:
1. **Divine Sovereignty and Power:** The instantaneous nature of healings, judgments, and liberations demonstrates God's absolute authority over creation, disease, and even life and death. His power is not limited by time or process; He can act decisively and completely in an instant.
2. **The Authenticity of Miracles:** The immediacy conveyed by παραχρῆμα leaves no room for doubt or misinterpretation regarding the miraculous event. The suddenness of the transformation (e.g., from lame to walking, blind to seeing, sick to healthy) underscores that these are not natural occurrences or gradual recoveries, but direct divine interventions. This serves to validate the claims and authority of Jesus and His apostles.
3. **The Efficacy of Faith and Obedience:** In several instances, παραχρῆμα follows an act of faith (e.g., the woman with the issue of blood) or obedience (e.g., the jailer's baptism). This suggests that immediate divine response often attends genuine faith and prompt obedience to God's word.
4. **The Certainty of Divine Judgment:** The swift and immediate judgments upon Ananias, Sapphira, and Herod Agrippa, described with παραχρῆμα, serve as a stark warning about the immediate consequences of sin and rebellion against God, emphasizing His holiness and justice.
5. **The Kingdom of God's Present Reality:** The instantaneous nature of these events points to the breaking in of God's Kingdom into the present age, demonstrating its power and reality, not as a future hope alone, but as a present, active force.
### Summary
G3916 παραχρῆμα is a potent Greek adverb signifying an action or event that occurs "instantly" or "immediately," without any delay whatsoever. Its etymology, "at the very thing itself," highlights the absolute promptness of the occurrence. Predominantly found in Luke-Acts, its usage consistently emphasizes the instantaneous nature of divine power, whether manifested in miraculous healings, swift judgments, or immediate responses to faith and obedience. Theologically, παραχrῆμα underscores God's absolute sovereignty and power, authenticates the miracles as direct divine interventions, highlights the efficacy of faith, warns of the certainty of divine judgment, and affirms the present reality of God's active Kingdom. It paints a vivid picture of a God who acts directly, decisively, and without hesitation.
TRV