### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb ἀπάρτι (apárti, `{{G534}}`) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἀπό (apó, "from") and the temporal adverb ἄρτι (árti, "now" or "just now"). Its core meaning, therefore, is "from now," "from this moment forward," or "henceforth." It denotes a definite point in time, the present moment, from which a new state, action, or condition begins and continues. The term emphasizes a shift or a new phase that is initiated at the time of speaking, carrying the implication of a future trajectory. It is not merely "now" but "from now on," indicating a duration or a new established reality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ἀπάρτι appears seven times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels of Matthew and John, and once in Revelation. Its usage consistently marks a significant temporal shift or the commencement of a new reality.
1. **[[Matthew 26:29]]**: In the context of the Last Supper, Jesus declares, "But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine ἀπάρτι until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom." Here, ἀπάρτι signifies the beginning of a period of abstinence from the cup, looking forward to its renewed consumption in the eschatological kingdom. It marks a decisive break and a future anticipation.
2. **[[Matthew 26:64]]**: Before the high priest Caiaphas, Jesus states, "Nevertheless, I say to you, ἀπάρτι you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven." This is a powerful eschatological declaration. ἀπάρτι here does not mean "immediately" but rather "from this moment forward," implying that the process leading to this visible manifestation of divine authority and judgment has begun. It marks the commencement of a new phase in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, culminating in the Parousia.
3. **[[John 1:51]]**: To Nathanael, Jesus promises, "Most assuredly, I say to you, ἀπάρτι you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man." This declaration signifies a new era of divine-human interaction, mediated through Jesus, the Son of Man. ἀπάρτι points to the commencement of this revelatory access to God through Christ.
4. **[[John 13:19]]**: During the Last Supper, Jesus tells His disciples, "Now I tell you ἀπάρτι before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe that I am He." Here, ἀπάρτι emphasizes that Jesus is revealing the betrayal *from this moment* even before it happens, so that when it occurs, their faith in His divine identity will be confirmed. It highlights the predictive and authoritative nature of His words.
5. **[[John 14:7]]**: Jesus states, "If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and ἀπάρτι you know Him and have seen Him." This verse marks a pivotal moment of revelation. ἀπάρτι indicates that from this point forward, through their relationship with Jesus, the disciples now possess a true knowledge and vision of the Father that was previously lacking or incomplete.
6. **[[Revelation 14:13]]**: "Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, 'Write: "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord ἀπάρτι."'" In this apocalyptic context, ἀπάρτι marks the beginning of a specific period or condition for blessing. It suggests that from the point of this divine declaration, those who die in the Lord are indeed blessed, perhaps in contrast to previous times or in light of impending judgment.
Across these occurrences, ἀπάρτι consistently signals a definitive starting point for a new reality, whether it be an eschatological event, a spiritual revelation, or a divine declaration of blessing. It often carries an authoritative tone, especially when spoken by Jesus.
### Related Words & Concepts
ἀπάρτι is closely related to its root ἄρτι (árti, `{{G737}}`), which simply means "now" or "just now." While ἄρτι denotes the present moment, ἀπάρτι extends that meaning to signify "from now on," emphasizing continuity from the present into the future.
Other related temporal adverbs include:
* νῦν (nyn, `{{G3568}}`): "now," "at present." Similar to ἄρτι, but ἀπάρτι specifically marks a new beginning from the present.
* ἔτι (eti, `{{G2089}}`): "yet," "still." Often used in negative constructions to mean "no longer," which is the conceptual opposite of "from now on."
* ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν (apo tou nyn): A phrase with a similar meaning, "from now on," found in passages like [[Luke 1:48]] and [[Luke 5:10]]. The single word ἀπάρτι is a more concise and emphatic expression of this concept.
The concept of ἀπάρτι is intrinsically linked to the theological idea of inaugurated eschatology, where the future realities of God's kingdom and salvation are already breaking into the present, even as their full consummation awaits.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀπάρτι lies in its function as a marker of divine initiative, authoritative declaration, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
1. **Divine Authority and Prophetic Fulfillment:** When Jesus uses ἀπάρτι, it underscores His unique authority to declare future events and establish new spiritual realities. His "from now on" is not merely a prediction but a performative utterance that brings about what it declares (e.g., [[Matthew 26:64]], [[John 1:51]]). It signifies that the time of fulfillment has begun or is about to begin through Him.
2. **Inauguration of the Kingdom and New Covenant Realities:** The term often signals the transition into a new phase of God's work. In Matthew, it points to the dawning of the Kingdom era and the visible manifestation of the Son of Man's power. In John, it highlights the new access to God the Father through Jesus and the unveiling of divine truth. This aligns with the "already" aspect of the "already and not yet" eschatology, where the eschatological blessings and judgments are inaugurated in the present.
3. **Revelation and Understanding:** ἀπάρτι can mark a moment of profound spiritual insight or revelation. In [[John 14:7]], it signifies that from that point forward, the disciples truly know and have seen the Father through Jesus, indicating a new level of understanding and intimacy.
4. **Divine Timing and Blessing:** In Revelation, ἀπάρτι highlights God's sovereign timing for specific declarations of blessing. The blessing pronounced upon those who die in the Lord "from now on" emphasizes a particular divine favor operative from that designated point in the unfolding of end-time events.
In essence, ἀπάρτι serves as a powerful temporal signpost, indicating that God is actively working in history, bringing about His purposes, and ushering in new eras of revelation, salvation, and judgment.
### Summary
ἀπάρτι (apárti, `{{G534}}`) is a Greek adverb meaning "from now," "from this moment forward," or "henceforth." It is a compound of ἀπό ("from") and ἄρτι ("now"), emphasizing a definitive starting point for a new state, action, or era that continues into the future. In the New Testament, its seven occurrences consistently mark significant shifts: from Jesus's abstinence from the cup until the Kingdom ([[Matthew 26:29]]), to the commencement of the Son of Man's visible authority ([[Matthew 26:64]]), the new access to heaven through Christ ([[John 1:51]]), the revelation of the Father through Jesus ([[John 14:7]]), and the blessing for those who die in the Lord in the end times ([[Revelation 14:13]]). Theologically, ἀπάρτι underscores divine authority, the inauguration of new covenant realities, and the certainty of God's unfolding redemptive plan, often pointing to the "already" aspect of inaugurated eschatology.
TRV