The Greek adverb árti, represented by G737, signifies a point in time relating to the present, often translated as now, just now, or henceforth. It is derived from the idea of suspension, indicating a specific moment. It appears 36 times across 35 unique verses in the Bible.
The etymological root of G737 further illuminates its sense of immediacy, stemming from a concept of "fitting" or "completeness," akin to something fresh or newly formed. This underlying idea imbues G737 with a nuance of the present moment being precisely "right," "apt," or "freshly arrived." It often conveys a sense of newness or a state that has just come into being, distinguishing it from a mere temporal marker by emphasizing the current moment's particular quality or significance.
In scripture, G737 is used to frame different temporal contexts. It can mark a specific, immediate moment, as when Peter asks Jesus, "why cannot I follow thee now?" John 13:37. It also establishes a period of time continuing up to the present, as seen from the days of John the Baptist "until now" Matthew 11:12. Paul uses it to describe a current state of suffering "unto this present hour" 1 Corinthians 4:11. Furthermore, it often creates a contrast between a limited present and a future reality, such as seeing dimly now but knowing fully later 1 Corinthians 13:12. In other contexts, it points forward, translated as henceforth or hereafter, marking the beginning of a new phase (Matthew 26:29, John 14:7).
Beyond marking a continuous period or a future point, G737 frequently highlights an immediate change in perception or state. This is evident when the formerly blind man declares, "whereas I was blind, now I see" John 9:25, signifying a profound and instantaneous transformation. Similarly, Jesus' direct question to His disciples, "Do ye now believe?" John 16:31, probes for an immediate, present conviction, implying a recent shift from doubt or misunderstanding. The word also often articulates a present inability or a deferred understanding, as when Jesus tells Peter, "What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter" John 13:7, or when He assures His Father, "Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?" Matthew 26:53, underscoring a present capacity that remains unexercised for a greater purpose.
Several related words help define concepts of time and immediacy:
- G2235 ḗdē: This adverb, meaning "even now:--already, (even) now (already), by this time," denotes a state that is already in effect, as seen in the mystery of iniquity that doth already work 2 Thessalonians 2:7.
- G2089 éti: Meaning ""yet," still (of time or degree)," this word often appears alongside G737 to describe a continuing action or state, such as in the phrase "if I yet pleased men" Galatians 1:10.
- G2250 hēméra: This word for "day" or "a period" is often qualified by G737, as in the phrase "unto this day" 1 Corinthians 4:13, to specify a duration leading up to the present moment.
- G739 ártios (fit, complete): This adjective, from which G737 is derived, emphasizes the idea of something being perfectly suited, complete, or in a state of readiness. The adverb G737 thus carries this nuance of the present moment being "apt" or "fully developed" in its immediate context.
The theological weight of G737 is significant, particularly in marking key moments in redemptive history.
- Marking Redemptive Turning Points: The word signals a decisive shift. In Revelation, a loud voice declares, "Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God" Revelation 12:10, marking a pivotal victory. It also defines the era since John the Baptist as the time when "the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence" Matthew 11:12.
- Contrasting Present and Future Reality: G737 frames the believer's experience in this age versus the next. Paul explains that "now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face" 1 Corinthians 13:12. Similarly, believers rejoice in Christ, "though now ye see him not" 1 Peter 1:8.
- Highlighting Immediate Significance: The term underscores the importance of a specific, present moment. Jesus instructs John to "Suffer it to be so now" for the fulfillment of righteousness Matthew 3:15. He also uses it to establish a new reality moving forward, telling his disciples that "hereafter" they will see the Son of man in his glory Matthew 26:64.
- Defining the Believer's Present Spiritual State: G737 is instrumental in describing the current spiritual condition or experience of believers, often amidst trials or incomplete knowledge. For instance, Peter acknowledges that believers "greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations" 1 Peter 1:6, framing the present reality of suffering within the larger context of joy. Likewise, John uses G737 to expose hypocrisy, stating, "He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now" 1 John 2:9, thereby defining a persistent, present spiritual deficiency. This usage underscores the immediate, lived reality of faith or its absence.
The adverb G737 (árti) is a nuanced temporal marker, extending beyond a simple "now" to encapsulate concepts of immediate presence, ongoing duration, and future commencement. Rooted in the idea of "fittingness" or "completeness," it often conveys a sense of the present moment being fresh, apt, or newly emergent. Its usage in scripture delineates not only specific points in time but also periods continuing "until now," and shifts marking a new phase "henceforth."
Biblically, G737 serves to highlight sudden changes in understanding or circumstance, as seen in the transformation of the blind man's sight or Jesus' probing questions of belief. It also articulates present inabilities or deferred revelations, underscoring divine timing. While closely related to other temporal adverbs like G2235 (ḗdē) and G2089 (éti), and often qualifying G2250 (hēméra), its connection to G739 (ártios) further emphasizes the "completeness" or "appropriateness" of the present moment.
Theologically, G737 is vital for understanding pivotal moments in salvation history and the dynamic between the present age and the age to come. It frames the believer's experience between partial knowledge and future full revelation, and the immediate significance of Christ's work. Moreover, it defines the present spiritual state of believers, acknowledging their ongoing faith amidst trials or the persistent darkness of those who claim light but live in error. Thus, G737 is a multifaceted term that deeply enriches our comprehension of time, experience, and divine purpose in the New Testament.
TRV