The Greek word próskairos, represented by G4340, refers to that which is temporary or lasts only for an occasion. Derived from πρός and καιρός, its definition is for the occasion only, i.e. temporary. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses, where it is translated as "temporal," "for a season," "for a time," or "for a while."
In its biblical usage, G4340 consistently highlights a contrast between the fleeting and the permanent. It is used to describe the "things which are seen" as temporal, setting them in direct opposition to the unseen things which are eternal 2 Corinthians 4:18. In the context of personal choice and faith, it describes the "pleasures of sin" as lasting only "for a season," a temporary indulgence that Moses chose to forgo Hebrews 11:25. Similarly, in the Parable of the Sower, it characterizes a shallow faith that "dureth for a while" because it lacks deep root, failing as soon as tribulation or persecution arises (Matthew 13:21, Mark 4:17).
Several related words help clarify the concept of what is temporary versus what is lasting:
- G166 aiṓnios (perpetual): As the direct opposite of G4340, this word denotes what is eternal or everlasting. This contrast is the central point of the teaching that what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal 2 Corinthians 4:18.
- G4491 rhíza (root): This word is key to understanding why some faith is only temporary. A person who has no root in himself endures only for a time before being offended by hardship Matthew 13:21.
- G2347 thlîpsis (pressure): This term for tribulation or affliction is the test that reveals the temporary nature of a shallow faith. When tribulation arises because of the word, one who is only temporary is offended Mark 4:17.
The theological weight of G4340 is significant, teaching believers to properly value the temporal in light of the eternal.
- Perspective on Worldliness: The word establishes a fundamental Christian worldview that physical, seen realities are temporal, while spiritual, unseen realities are eternal and of greater importance 2 Corinthians 4:18.
- The Nature of Superficial Faith: It warns against a faith that is not deeply rooted. Such a faith is merely próskairos and will not survive the pressures of tribulation G2347 and persecution G1375 that are part of the Christian walk Matthew 13:21.
- The Choice of Lasting Value: It frames moral and spiritual decisions as a choice between a temporary reward and an eternal one. The pleasures of sin are described as lasting only "for a season," making the choice to suffer affliction with God's people a wiser, eternally-minded decision Hebrews 11:25.
In summary, próskairos G4340 is a crucial term for understanding the biblical distinction between the temporary and the eternal. It is not merely a descriptor of time but a theological concept that challenges believers to look beyond the seen world, develop a faith with deep roots, and choose what has lasting value over the fleeting pleasures of the moment. It underscores the call to live with an eternal perspective.
TRV