Lexical Summary eukairos: Timely, opportune, seasonable Original Word: εὔκαιρος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance convenient, in time of need. From eu and kairos; well-timed, i.e. Opportune -- convenient, in time of need. see GREEK eu see GREEK kairos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom eu and kairos Definition timely NASB Translation strategic (1), time of need (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2121: εὔκαιροςεὔκαιρος, εὔκαιρον (εὖ and καιρός), seasonable, timely, opportune: βοήθεια, Hebrews 4:16; ἡμέρας εὐκαίρου, a convenient day, Mark 6:21. (2 Macc. 14:29; (Psalm 103:27 Topical Lexicon Occurrences in Scripture εὔκαιρος appears twice in the New Testament. In Mark 6:21 it identifies the “opportune day” on which Herod’s court conspired against John the Baptist. In Hebrews 4:16 it promises believers “grace to help in time of need,” portraying divine aid that arrives precisely when required. Providence and Divine Timing The word underscores the biblical theme that God orders every moment. Mark demonstrates how human evil can seize a favorable occasion, yet even such schemes serve a larger redemptive account (compare Genesis 50:20; Acts 2:23). Hebrews flips the perspective: the same concept of timely occasion becomes a wellspring of hope, assuring saints that the throne of grace is never untimely. Christ’s High-Priestly Ministry Hebrews grounds εὔκαιρος βοήθεια in Jesus Christ, “a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens” (Hebrews 4:14-15). Because the risen Lord understands human weakness, His intercession guarantees help that is never late and never insufficient. Thus the term is inseparably linked to the compassion, accessibility, and effectiveness of Christ’s ongoing work. Pastoral and Missional Implications Scripture calls believers to recognize God-given moments for action. “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2) echoes the εὔκαιρος principle, urging readiness whether conditions seem favorable or not. Wise ministry discerns doors the Spirit opens—moments for evangelism, discipleship, reconciliation, or mercy (Colossians 4:3-5; Galatians 6:9-10). Ethical Warning from Herod’s Banquet Herodias waited for an εὔκαιρος day to silence the prophetic voice confronting her sin. The episode cautions that opportunity can be twisted toward rebellion. Paul’s exhortation, “making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16), presses believers to redeem time rather than surrender it to ungodly aims. Prayer and Practical Faith Hebrews 4:16 teaches that prayer is the conduit of God’s timely aid. Confidence at the throne of grace transforms crisis into communion, replacing anxiety with expectancy (Philippians 4:6-7). Historical testimonies—from the Psalmists to missionary pioneers—illustrate that divine assistance arrives neither early nor late but exactly when faith reaches upward. Historical and Cultural Context In the Greco-Roman world, kairos language referred to a decisive moment that demanded action. Early Christians adopted the term to stress God’s sovereign orchestration of history. Amid persecution and uncertainty, they learned to interpret their circumstances through the lens of divinely appointed times, fostering courage and strategic obedience. Summary εὔκαιρος encapsulates Scripture’s witness that God’s purposes unfold with flawless timing. Whether exposing the tragic misuse of opportunity or proclaiming the timely mercy secured by Christ, its two New Testament appearances invite the church to trust, watch, and act, confident that the Lord of time aligns every occasion with His perfect will. Forms and Transliterations ευκαιρον εύκαιρον εὔκαιρον ευκαιρου ευκαίρου εὐκαίρου eukairon eúkairon eukairou eukaírouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Mark 6:21 Adj-GFSGRK: γενομένης ἡμέρας εὐκαίρου ὅτε Ἡρῴδης NAS: A strategic day came KJV: And when a convenient day was come, INT: having come [a] day opportune when Herod Hebrews 4:16 Adj-AFS Strong's Greek 2121 |
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