### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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