2235. édé
Lexical Summary
édé: Already, now, by this time

Original Word: ἤδη
Part of Speech: Adverb
Transliteration: édé
Pronunciation: ay'-day
Phonetic Spelling: (ay'-day)
KJV: already, (even) now (already), by this time
NASB: already, now, this time, as soon as
Word Origin: [apparently from G2228 (ἤ - or) (or possibly G2229 (ἦ - or)) and G1211 (δή - indeed)]

1. even now

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
already, even now, by this time.

Apparently from e (or possibly e) and de; even now -- already, (even) now (already), by this time.

see GREEK e

see GREEK e

see GREEK de

HELPS Word-studies

2235 ḗdē (a temporal adverb) – already now, even now, referring to what is not yet strictly present but already (now) impacts the present (= "already now").

[2235 (ḗdē) is "a point of time preceding another point of time and implying completion – 'already'" (L & N, 1, 67.20). It often factors in something strictly future, but can include anything that is not strictly present.]

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
a prim. adverb of time
Definition
already
NASB Translation
already (42), as soon as (1), now (14), soon* (1), this time (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 2235: ἤδη

ἤδη, adverb (from Homer down; on the derivation see Vanicek, p. 745; Peile, p. 395), in the N. T. everywhere of time, now, already (Latinjam): Matthew 3:10; Matthew 5:28; Matthew 14:15; Mark 4:37; Mark 11:11; Luke 7:6; Luke 12:49; (Luke 24:29 T WH Tr text, L Tr marginal reading brackets); John 4:35(),; (that all things were now finished and that nothing further remained for him to do or to suffer); Acts 27:9; Romans 13:11 (that it is already time to wake up and indulge no longer in sleep); 1 Corinthians 4:8, and often; νῦν ... ἤδη, now already (Latinjamnunc): 1 John 4:3; ἤδη πότε, now at last, at length now: with future Romans 1:10; (with aorist Philippians 4:10. Synonym: see ἄρτι, at the end)

Topical Lexicon
Overview of Meaning and Scope

The adverb ἤδη appears sixty-one times in the Greek New Testament, consistently marking something as presently true, accomplished, or in progress. It sharpens the time element, distinguishing what is “already” the case from what is merely anticipated. Its use ranges from immediate physical conditions (Mark 4:37) to decisive theological realities (John 3:18) and to the unfolding of prophetic events (2 Thessalonians 2:7).

Immediacy in Prophetic Warning

John the Baptist announces, “The axe lies already at the root of the trees” (Matthew 3:10), stressing that judgment is not distant but impending. Jesus echoes this urgency in Luke 12:49: “I have come to ignite a fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!” Such verses press hearers toward prompt repentance rather than complacent delay.

The ‘Already / Not Yet’ of the Kingdom

Several passages employ ἤδη to convey inaugurated eschatology: the kingdom has begun though its consummation awaits. When Jesus points to the sprouting fig tree, He says, “When its branch becomes tender and sprouts leaves, you know that summer is already near” (Matthew 24:32; Mark 13:28; Luke 21:30). The budding tree illustrates both present signs and future fulfillment, a tension lived out by believers who possess salvation’s firstfruits while longing for completion (Romans 13:11).

Present Transformation in Personal Discipleship

The term underscores accomplished change in the lives of Christ’s followers. Jesus declares, “You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you” (John 15:3). Paul can say, “Not that I have already obtained all this or have already been perfected” (Philippians 3:12), acknowledging progress while admitting continuing need. The word both affirms achieved status in Christ and provokes ongoing pursuit of holiness.

Compassion and Practical Ministry

ἤδη often marks immediate human need. Jesus notes the crowd has “already stayed with Me three days and have nothing to eat” (Mark 8:2). The disciples recognize evening has “already come” and request Jesus dismiss the multitude (Matthew 14:15). Such usage guides ministry workers to perceive present necessities, balancing spiritual goals with timely physical care.

Advancement of the Gospel in Acts and the Epistles

In Acts 4:3 the apostles are imprisoned because “it was already evening,” showing gospel work colliding with social constraints. Later, Luke reports that the fast of Yom Kippur “was already past” (Acts 27:9), situating Paul’s voyage within a specific danger-season. Every occurrence situates missionary action in real time, reminding readers that divine purpose unfolds through concrete historical moments.

Warnings Against Premature or False Fulfillment Claims

While some realities are “already” secure, others are falsely alleged. Hymenaeus and Philetus claim “the resurrection has already occurred” (2 Timothy 2:18), upsetting the faith of some. Paul counters similar confusion in Thessalonica, teaching that “the mystery of lawlessness is already at work” (2 Thessalonians 2:7) yet final manifestation awaits God’s timetable. Discernment is therefore required: believers celebrate current blessings without surrendering vigilance concerning future hope.

Assurance of Present Salvation and Condemnation

John 3:18 sets forth a decisive present verdict: “Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned.” The adverb eliminates neutrality; eternal destinies are determined by current relation to Christ. Likewise, “Many Jews had already decided that anyone who confessed Jesus as the Christ would be put out of the synagogue” (John 9:22), underscoring that public allegiance to Jesus carries immediate consequences.

Pastoral and Ethical Applications

1 Corinthians 6:7 laments that lawsuits among believers mean they “have already suffered defeat.” Paul urges reconciliation, stressing that sin’s damage occurs the moment strife arises. Conversely, Philippians 4:10 rejoices that the church’s concern “has already revived,” motivating generous support. Leaders today can employ ἤδη passages to heighten awareness that choices, whether sinful or righteous, bear instant spiritual fruit.

Homiletical and Ministry Aids

• Emphasize the urgency of repentance (Matthew 3:10; Romans 13:11).
• Highlight the security of the believer’s current standing (John 3:18; John 15:3).
• Warn against doctrinal error that collapses future hope into present claims (2 Timothy 2:18).
• Encourage immediate acts of compassion (Mark 8:2; Luke 11:7).
• Reinforce watchfulness amid unfolding prophetic events (Luke 21:30; 2 Thessalonians 2:7).

In preaching and teaching, ἤδη reminds the church that God is at work in the present moment. Salvation, sanctification, and mission are not merely future expectations; they are realities believers already taste, testify to, and translate into action while awaiting the glorious completion of the Lord’s purposes.

Forms and Transliterations
ηδη ήδη ἤδη πάλαι ede ēdē ḗde ḗdē palai pálai
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Englishman's Concordance
Matthew 3:10 Adv
GRK: ἤδη δὲ ἡ
NAS: The axe is already laid at the root
KJV: And now also the axe
INT: already moreover the

Matthew 5:28 Adv
GRK: ἐπιθυμῆσαι αὐτὴν ἤδη ἐμοίχευσεν αὐτὴν
NAS: with lust for her has already committed adultery
KJV: with her already in
INT: lust after her already has committed adultery with her

Matthew 14:15 Adv
GRK: ἡ ὥρα ἤδη παρῆλθεν ἀπόλυσον
NAS: and the hour is already late;
KJV: and the time is now past; send
INT: the time already is gone by dismiss

Matthew 14:24 Adv
GRK: δὲ πλοῖον ἤδη σταδίους πολλοὺς
NAS: But the boat was already a long
KJV: was now in the midst
INT: and [the] boat now distance long

Matthew 15:32 Adv
GRK: ὄχλον ὅτι ἤδη ἡμέραι τρεῖς
NAS: they have remained with Me now three
KJV: they continue with me now three days,
INT: crowd because already days three

Matthew 17:12 Adv
GRK: ὅτι Ἠλίας ἤδη ἦλθεν καὶ
NAS: to you that Elijah already came,
KJV: Elias is come already, and they knew
INT: that Elijah already is come and

Matthew 24:32 Adv
GRK: παραβολήν ὅταν ἤδη ὁ κλάδος
NAS: its branch has already become
KJV: branch is yet tender, and
INT: parable When already the branch

Mark 4:37 Adv
GRK: πλοῖον ὥστε ἤδη γεμίζεσθαι τὸ
NAS: much that the boat was already filling
KJV: it was now full.
INT: boat so that already was filled the

Mark 6:35 Adv
GRK: Καὶ ἤδη ὥρας πολλῆς
NAS: When it was already quite late,
KJV: when the day was now far spent, his
INT: And already an hour late

Mark 6:35 Adv
GRK: τόπος καὶ ἤδη ὥρα πολλή
NAS: is desolate and it is already quite
KJV: and now the time
INT: place and already [it is] an hour late

Mark 8:2 Adv
GRK: ὄχλον ὅτι ἤδη ἡμέραι τρεῖς
NAS: they have remained with Me now three
KJV: because they have now been with me
INT: crowd because already days three

Mark 11:11 Adv
GRK: πάντα ὀψίας ἤδη οὔσης τῆς
NAS: with the twelve, since it was already late.
KJV: all things, and now the eventide
INT: all things late already being the

Mark 13:28 Adv
GRK: παραβολήν ὅταν ἤδη ὁ κλάδος
NAS: its branch has already become
KJV: branch is yet tender, and
INT: parable when already the branch

Mark 15:42 Adv
GRK: Καὶ ἤδη ὀψίας γενομένης
NAS: When evening had already come, because
KJV: And now when the even was come,
INT: And already evening having arrived

Mark 15:44 Adv
GRK: ἐθαύμασεν εἰ ἤδη τέθνηκεν καὶ
NAS: He was dead by this time, and summoning
KJV: if he were already dead: and
INT: wondered if already he were dead and

Luke 3:9 Adv
GRK: ἤδη δὲ καὶ
NAS: the axe is already laid
KJV: And now also the axe
INT: already moreover also

Luke 7:6 Adv
GRK: σὺν αὐτοῖς ἤδη δὲ αὐτοῦ
KJV: when he was now not far
INT: with them already moreover he

Luke 11:7 Adv
GRK: κόπους πάρεχε ἤδη ἡ θύρα
NAS: me; the door has already been shut
KJV: the door is now shut, and
INT: trouble cause already the door

Luke 12:49 Adv
GRK: θέλω εἰ ἤδη ἀνήφθη
NAS: I wish it were already kindled!
KJV: if it be already kindled?
INT: I wish if already it be kindled

Luke 14:17 Adv
GRK: Ἔρχεσθε ὅτι ἤδη ἕτοιμά ἐστιν
NAS: Come; for everything is ready now.'
KJV: all things are now ready.
INT: Come for now ready is

Luke 19:37 Adv
GRK: δὲ αὐτοῦ ἤδη πρὸς τῇ
KJV: was come nigh, even now at the descent
INT: moreover of him already at the

Luke 21:30 Adv
GRK: ὅταν προβάλωσιν ἤδη βλέποντες ἀφ'
NAS: that summer is now near.
KJV: When they now shoot forth, ye see
INT: when they sprout already looking [on them] of

Luke 21:30 Adv
GRK: γινώσκετε ὅτι ἤδη ἐγγὺς τὸ
KJV: summer is now nigh at hand.
INT: you know that already near the

Luke 23:44 Adv
GRK: Καὶ ἦν ἤδη ὡσεὶ ὥρα
NAS: It was now about the sixth
INT: And it was now about [the] hour

Luke 24:29 Adv
GRK: καὶ κέκλικεν ἤδη ἡ ἡμέρα
NAS: and the day is now nearly over.
INT: and has declined now the day

Strong's Greek 2235
61 Occurrences


ἤδη — 61 Occ.

2234
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