Lexical Summary proskairos: Temporary, for a season, transient Original Word: πρόσκαιρος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance temporary, for a seasonFrom pros and kairos; for the occasion only, i.e. Temporary -- dur-(eth) for awhile, endure for a time, for a season, temporal. see GREEK pros see GREEK kairos HELPS Word-studies 4340 próskairos – (an adjective, derived from 4314 /prós, "motion towards, with" and 2540 /kairós, "a season") – properly, a limited time of opportunity; fleeting, temporary ("only lasts for a while"). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom pros and kairos Definition in season, i.e. temporary NASB Translation passing (1), temporal (1), temporary (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4340: πρόσκαιροςπρόσκαιρος, πρόσκαιρον (equivalent to ὁ πρός καιρόν ὤν), for a season (cf. πρός, IV. 5), enduring only for a while, temporary: Matthew 13:21; Mark 4:17; 2 Corinthians 4:18; Hebrews 11:25. (4 Macc. 15:2; Josephus, Antiquities 2, 4, 4; Dio Cassius, Dionysius Halicarnassus (Strabo 7, 3, 11), Plutarch, Herodian; ὁ παρών καί πρόσκαιρος κόσμος, Clement, homil. 20, 2.) Topical Lexicon Theme of Transience versus PermanenceIn all four New Testament occurrences the word points to the short-lived nature of something that competes with what is enduring. The contexts contrast what lasts only “for a season” with what is eternal, inviting believers to adjust their priorities accordingly. Whether it is earthly affliction, superficial discipleship, passing pleasure, or visible realities, each instance highlights the danger of investing one’s heart in what inevitably fades. Occurrences in Scripture 2 Corinthians 4:18 – Paul urges believers to “fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” The visible realm, though tangible, is fleeting; the unseen promises of God endure forever. Mark 4:17 and Matthew 13:21 – In the parable of the soils, the rocky-ground hearer is “temporary.” Initial joy is swept away when “tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word.” Superficial commitment reveals the difference between momentary enthusiasm and persevering faith. Hebrews 11:25 – Moses “chose to suffer oppression with the people of God rather than to enjoy the temporary pleasures of sin.” Earthly delights, however attractive, cannot rival the everlasting reward reserved for those who align with God’s purposes. Interpretive Themes 1. Contrast between Sight and Faith Paul juxtaposes the visible and the unseen, pushing believers toward an eternal outlook. Faith fixes on realities that have yet to appear (Hebrews 11:1), recognizing that worldly circumstances are provisional. 2. Shallow Response to the Word Jesus’ parable warns that hardship exposes the depth of discipleship. When the cost of following Christ becomes evident, only a rooted faith prevails. Temporary allegiance offers no shelter in trial. 3. Sin’s Fleeting Enjoyment Hebrews presents sin’s pleasure as real but short-lived. Moses’ choice underscores that present gratification is an inadequate substitute for lasting communion with God. Historical Background Jewish and Greco-Roman thinkers alike spoke of the transitory nature of earthly life, yet the New Testament uniquely anchors that insight in redemptive history. Early Christians endured social ostracism and official hostility; Paul, Jesus, and the writer of Hebrews all address audiences pressured to compromise. The reminder that suffering is brief compared with eternal glory fortified believers to remain steadfast under persecution. Doctrinal Significance • Eschatology – The term reinforces the biblical tension between the “already” and the “not yet.” Current trials belong to a limited age, while the coming kingdom is everlasting (2 Peter 1:11). Practical Ministry Application 1. Counseling Sufferers – Point to the temporary nature of affliction, directing eyes to the eternal weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17). Related Concepts Eternal (John 3:16), Endurance (Hebrews 10:36), Vanity (Ecclesiastes 1:2), Pilgrimage (1 Peter 2:11), Glory (Romans 8:18). Summary The word translated “temporary” functions as a theological spotlight, illuminating the difference between what lasts for a moment and what lasts forever. Scripture employs it to expose shallow commitment, fleeting pleasure, and visible realities that will pass away, while simultaneously directing believers to the enduring treasures found in Christ and His coming kingdom. Forms and Transliterations προσκαιρα πρόσκαιρα προσκαιροι πρόσκαιροί προσκαιρον πρόσκαιρον προσκαιρος πρόσκαιρός προσκαυθή proskaira próskaira proskairoi próskairoí proskairon próskairon proskairos próskairósLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 13:21 Adj-NMSGRK: ἑαυτῷ ἀλλὰ πρόσκαιρός ἐστιν γενομένης NAS: in himself, but is [only] temporary, and when affliction KJV: dureth for a while: for INT: himself but temporary is having come Mark 4:17 Adj-NMP 2 Corinthians 4:18 Adj-NNP Hebrews 11:25 Adj-AFS Strong's Greek 4340 |
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