Lexical Summary édé: Already, now, by this time Original Word: ἤδη 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 Origina 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: ἤδηἤδη, 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( 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). 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 pálaiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 3:10 AdvGRK: 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 Matthew 14:15 Adv Matthew 14:24 Adv Matthew 15:32 Adv Matthew 17:12 Adv Matthew 24:32 Adv Mark 4:37 Adv Mark 6:35 Adv Mark 6:35 Adv Mark 8:2 Adv Mark 11:11 Adv Mark 13:28 Adv Mark 15:42 Adv Mark 15:44 Adv Luke 3:9 Adv Luke 7:6 Adv Luke 11:7 Adv Luke 12:49 Adv Luke 14:17 Adv Luke 19:37 Adv Luke 21:30 Adv Luke 21:30 Adv Luke 23:44 Adv Luke 24:29 Adv |
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