The Greek word parachrēma, represented by G3916, means to act instantly or at the thing itself. It appears 19 times across 19 unique verses in the Bible, translated as forthwith, immediately, presently, straightway, or soon. This term is used to emphasize the sudden and instantaneous nature of an event, often highlighting a direct divine intervention or a supernaturally swift consequence.
In the biblical narrative, G3916 frequently marks the moment of a miracle or judgment. It describes the instantaneous healing of a woman with an issue of blood, whose bleeding stanched immediately upon touching Jesus' garment Luke 8:44. Similarly, a lame man's feet and ankle bones received strength immediately when Peter lifted him up Acts 3:7. The word also signifies swift divine judgment, as when an angel of the Lord smote Herod, who immediately was eaten by worms Acts 12:23, or when Sapphira fell down straightway at Peter's feet and died Acts 5:10.
Several related words clarify the context of immediacy and action:
- G2112 euthéōs: This adverb, meaning directly, i.e. at once or soon, is used similarly to G3916 and sometimes in conjunction with it. In the account of Saul's conversion, he received his sight forthwith G3916 after scales immediately G2112 fall from his eyes Acts 9:18.
- G1392 doxázō: Meaning to render (or esteem) glorious, this often describes the response to an immediate miracle. After a woman was made straight immediately G3916, she glorified God Luke 13:13.
- G450 anístēmi: This verb, meaning to stand up or arise, is frequently the direct result of an immediate act of power. After Jesus rebuked a fever, the woman immediately G3916 arose and ministered to them Luke 4:39.
The theological weight of G3916 highlights the nature of divine power and its effects.
- Divine Authority: The use of parachrēma underscores God's absolute authority. When Jesus speaks a command, the effect is instantaneous, as when the fig tree he cursed presently withered away Matthew 21:19.
- Instantaneous Consequence: The word demonstrates that encounters with the divine have immediate and undeniable results. For the woman who approached Jesus in faith, the consequence was immediate healing Luke 8:47. For Elymas the sorcerer, opposing the gospel resulted in an immediate mist and darkness falling upon him Acts 13:11.
- Undeniable Action: Events marked by G3916 leave no room for doubt. The shaking of the prison, the opening of doors, and the loosing of bands all occurred immediately in a single moment, showcasing an unmistakable act of God Acts 16:26.
In summary, G3916 functions as more than a simple adverb of time. It is a marker of divine power, signifying that God's actions are not bound by natural processes or delays. Whether in healing, judgment, or deliverance, parachrēma conveys the sudden, decisive, and powerful nature of God's intervention in the world, confirming His word and authority in an instant.
TRV