adverb from a derivative of αἴρω (compare ἄρτος) through the idea of suspension; just now:--this day (hour), hence(-forth), here(-after), hither(-to), (even) now, (this) present.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb ἄρτι (transliterated árti) derives from a concept related to αἴρω (`{{G142}}`, "to lift, take up") and is semantically linked to the idea of something being "suspended" or "hanging" in the immediate present. Its primary meaning is "just now" or "at this very moment." This conveys a strong sense of immediacy and contemporaneity.
The semantic range extends to encompass various nuances of the present:
* **Immediate Present:** "Now," "at this instant," "presently."
* **Temporal Boundary:** "Hitherto" (up to this point) or "henceforth" (from this point forward), indicating a new or continuing state beginning from the present.
* **Current State:** Describing something that is true or occurring "this day" or "this hour."
Unlike νῦν (`{{G3568}}`), which can denote a broader "present age" or general state of affairs, ἄρτι often emphasizes a more precise, punctual, or transitional "now."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ἄρτι appears frequently in the New Testament, highlighting the immediacy of events, declarations, or states of being.
* **Marking Immediate Action/Necessity:** In [[Matthew 3:15]], Jesus tells John, "Permit it ἄρτι," indicating that at that specific moment, it is fitting for righteousness to be fulfilled through his baptism. This "now" is a necessary, immediate step.
* **Declarations of Imminent Truth:** Jesus uses ἄρτι powerfully in [[Matthew 26:64]] when he tells the high priest, "Nevertheless, I say to you, ἄρτι you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven." Here, ἄρτι signifies a certainty and imminence of a future event, marking a new phase of revelation or judgment from that point onward.
* **Highlighting a Transitional Period:** In [[John 13:33]], Jesus states, "Little children, ἄρτι I am with you a little while longer." This ἄρτι emphasizes the brevity and preciousness of his immediate physical presence before his departure. Similarly, [[John 16:24]] uses ἄρτι to contrast the past ("Until ἄρτι you have asked nothing in My name") with a new, future reality of prayer.
* **Contrasting Past and Present Realities:** Paul employs ἄρτι to draw sharp distinctions between former states and current realities. In [[Romans 11:30]], he writes, "For as you ἄρτι were disobedient to God, yet ἄρτι have now obtained mercy through their disobedience." The repetition underscores the transformative shift.
* **Eschatological Tension:** Perhaps most profoundly, ἄρτι is used in [[1 Corinthians 13:12]] to articulate the "already but not yet" of Christian eschatology: "For ἄρτι we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. ἄρτι I know in part, but then I shall know fully, just as I also have been fully known." This "now" describes the current, incomplete understanding of believers, contrasted with the perfect knowledge of the future.
* **Present Suffering and Future Hope:** In [[1 Peter 1:6]], ἄρτι acknowledges the present reality of trials: "In this you greatly rejoice, though ἄρτι for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials." It frames current suffering as a temporary, present condition leading to future glory.
### Related Words & Concepts
ἄρτι interacts with and is distinguished from other temporal adverbs and concepts:
* **νῦν (`{{G3568}}`):** While often translated "now," νῦν can have a broader scope, referring to the present age, the current state of affairs, or a general present time. ἄρτι tends to be more precise, marking a specific point or a transition. For example, ἄρτι might mean "just this moment," while νῦν might mean "at this present time in history."
* **ἤδη (`{{G2235}}`):** Meaning "already," ἤδη points to something that has already occurred by the present moment, emphasizing completion. ἄρτι emphasizes the present *as it is unfolding* or *commencing*.
* **πάλαι (`{{G3819}}`):** Meaning "long ago," πάλαι stands in direct contrast to ἄρτι, highlighting the passage of significant time.
* **"Kairos" vs. "Chronos":** While ἄρτι marks a "chronos" (sequential time) point, its usage often imbues that point with "kairos" (opportune, decisive time) significance, especially in theological contexts.
### Theological Significance
The theological implications of ἄρτι are profound, particularly in relation to the nature of God's redemptive work:
* **Inaugurated Eschatology:** ἄρτι is a key word in expressing the "already" aspect of God's kingdom. The kingdom of God has "now" broken into human history through Christ's first advent, even though its full consummation is "not yet." This tension is central to New Testament theology.
* **Divine Immediacy and Urgency:** The repeated use of ἄρτι underscores the immediacy of God's actions and declarations. It calls for an immediate response of faith and obedience, highlighting that the present moment is one of divine opportunity or decisive revelation.
* **Transformative Power:** By frequently contrasting past and present states (e.g., sin vs. mercy, partial knowledge vs. full knowledge), ἄρτι emphasizes the transformative power of the Gospel and the new reality believers experience in Christ.
* **The Significance of the Present Moment:** ἄρτι elevates the spiritual importance of "the now." It reminds believers that the present is not merely a waiting period, but a time of active engagement with God's purposes, a moment when divine truth is revealed and divine presence is experienced, even amidst trials.
### Summary
ἄρτι is a potent Greek adverb signifying "just now" or "at this very moment." Rooted in the idea of immediate presence, it serves to punctuate time, marking transitions, highlighting contrasts between past and present, and emphasizing the imminence of future events. Theologically, ἄρτι is crucial for understanding the New Testament's inaugurated eschatology, underscoring the "already" of God's kingdom and the urgency of divine revelation and human response. It imbues the present moment with profound spiritual significance, reminding believers of the active, transformative work of God unfolding "now" in their lives and in the world.
TRV