The term "presently" in contemporary usage often refers to something that will happen soon or in the near future. However, in biblical contexts, the understanding of time and immediacy can vary based on the original languages and the cultural context of the Scriptures.

Biblical Usage and Context

In the Bible, the concept of time is often fluid, with terms that can mean both "immediately" and "soon" depending on the context. The Berean Standard Bible and other translations may not always use the word "presently," but the idea is conveyed through various expressions and narratives.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew language often uses terms that convey immediacy or a sense of urgency. For example, the Hebrew word "miyad" can mean "immediately" or "at once." This is seen in narratives where God's intervention or commands require prompt action. An example is found in the account of Abraham's obedience to God's command to sacrifice Isaac, where Abraham acts without delay (Genesis 22:3).

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Greek word "eutheos" is frequently used to denote immediacy or something happening "straightway" or "at once." This is particularly evident in the Gospel of Mark, which often emphasizes the swift actions of Jesus and His disciples. For instance, Mark 1:18 states, "And immediately they left their nets and followed Him," highlighting the disciples' prompt response to Jesus' call.

Theological Implications

The concept of "presently" or immediacy in the Bible often underscores the urgency of responding to God's call and the importance of readiness in the life of a believer. This is particularly relevant in eschatological teachings, where believers are encouraged to live in a state of preparedness for the return of Christ. Jesus' parables, such as the Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), emphasize the need for vigilance and readiness, as the timing of His return is unknown.

Practical Application

For believers, the notion of "presently" serves as a reminder of the importance of living in the present moment with an eternal perspective. It encourages immediate obedience to God's commands and readiness for His plans. The urgency of the Gospel message calls Christians to act "presently" in sharing their faith and living out their convictions.

Conclusion

While the term "presently" may not appear frequently in the biblical text, the concept it represents is woven throughout Scripture. It calls believers to a life of immediate obedience, readiness, and anticipation of God's work in their lives and the world.1. (adv.) At present; at this time; now.

2. (adv.) At once; without delay; forthwith; also, less definitely, soon; shortly; before long; after a little while; by and by.

3. (adv.) With actual presence; actually .

PRESENTLY

prez'-ent-li: The strict meaning is of course "at the present moment," "instantly," and the modern force "after a short interval" is due simply to the procrastinating habits of mankind; hence, the Revised Version (British and American) modifications of the King James Version use of the word into "immediately" (Matthew 21:19), "even now" (Matthew 26:53), and "forthwith" (Philippians 2:23). In Proverbs 12:16, the uncertainty of the meaning (margin "openly," Hebrew "in the day") has led to the retention of the King James Version word.

3916. parachrema -- instantly
... Word Origin from para and chrema Definition instantly NASB Word Usage immediately
(14), once (3). immediately, presently, straightway, soon. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3916.htm - 6k

1824. exautes -- at once, forthwith
... sing. fem. of autos Definition at once, forthwith NASB Word Usage immediately
(2), moment (1), once (3). by and by, immediately, presently. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1824.htm - 6k

3936. paristemi -- to place beside, to present, stand by, appear
... figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or ready), aid --
assist, bring before, command, commend, give presently, present, prove, provide ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3936.htm - 9k

5029. tacha -- quickly, perhaps
... perhaps. Part of Speech: Adverb Transliteration: tacha Phonetic Spelling:
(takh'-ah) Short Definition: quickly, perhaps Definition: quickly, presently, perhaps. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5029.htm - 7k

3117. yom -- day
... Live), (even) now, + old, + outlived, + perpetually, presently, + remaineth, X required,
season, X since, space, then, (process of) time, + as at other times ...
/hebrew/3117.htm - 7k

And Presently Valerian Also, in a Mood Alike Frantic...
... Chap. V. And presently Valerian also, in a mood alike frantic? And presently
Valerian also, in a mood alike frantic, lifted up ...
/.../of the manner in which the persecutors died/chap v and presently valerian.htm

Antigonus Besieges those that were in Masada, whom Herod Frees ...
... Antigonus Besieges Those That Were In Masada, Whom Herod Frees From Confinement
When He Came Back From Rome, And Presently Marches To Jerusalem Where He Finds ...
/.../chapter 15 antigonus besieges those.htm

Next Day among his Letters were Two of Value in the History of ...
... Presently the shout of the high priest rang like a trumpet-peal above the roofs
of the city. Then Jerusalem was all begirt and overflooded with song. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 15 next day among.htm

But that You May not Suppose this to be a Novel Doctrine Peculiar ...
... fallen shall he not rise again?" take this proof from what follows; for he adds
immediately, "But if a man be dead, shall he live?" And presently afterwards he ...
/.../44 but that you may.htm

Matt. xxvi. 51-54.
... Thinkest [2997] thou that I cannot pray to the Father, and He shall presently
[2998] give me more than twelve legions of angels? ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily lxxxiv matt xxvi 51-54.htm

But Perhaps Some one is Alarmed at Hearing us Discourse of the ...
... Presently thou wilt see Him of Whose death thou hearest once more immortal;
for the death to which He submits is about to spoil death. ...
/.../16 but perhaps some one.htm

But, if it Does not Weary You, Let the Point Out as Briefly as ...
... Of this also the Prophet speaks, "And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me
my price, or if not, forbear;" and presently, "I received from them," he says ...
/.../20 but if it does.htm

Caius Commands that his Statue Should be Set up in the Temple ...
... spake of a war; but those that did believe them were in the utmost distress how
to defend themselves, and the terror diffused itself presently through them all ...
/.../chapter 10 caius commands that.htm

Of the Withering of the Fig-Tree, and of the Question as to the ...
... And presently the fig-tree withered away. And when the disciples saw it, they
marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig-tree withered away! ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter lxviii of the withering of.htm

How Antony at the Persuasion of Cleopatra Sent Herod to Fight ...
... wall about their camp; yet did not the multitude comply with those orders, but were
so emboldened by their foregoing victory, that they presently attacked the ...
/.../chapter 19 how antony at.htm

Presently (25 Occurrences)
... 3. (adv.) With actual presence; actually . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
PRESENTLY. ... Multi-Version Concordance Presently (25 Occurrences). ...
/p/presently.htm - 14k

Praising (35 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Praising (35 Occurrences). Luke 1:64 and his mouth was
opened presently, and his tongue, and he was speaking, praising God. (YLT NIV). ...
/p/praising.htm - 16k

Risen (169 Occurrences)
... Luke 4:39 and having stood over her, he rebuked the fever, and it left her, and
presently, having risen, she was ministering to them. (YLT). ...
/r/risen.htm - 35k

Presenting (16 Occurrences)

/p/presenting.htm - 11k

Presents (38 Occurrences)

/p/presents.htm - 18k

Vexation (36 Occurrences)
... body. (See JPS DBY). Proverbs 12:16 A fool's vexation is presently known;
But a prudent man concealeth shame. (See JPS ASV DBY RSV). ...
/v/vexation.htm - 18k

Grow (139 Occurrences)
... And presently the fig tree withered away. (KJV WEY WBS). Matthew 24:12 Because
iniquity will be multiplied, the love of many will grow cold. ...
/g/grow.htm - 34k

Glorifying (21 Occurrences)
... YLT NAS). Luke 13:13 and he laid on her 'his' hands, and presently she was
set upright, and was glorifying God. (YLT NAS). Luke 17 ...
/g/glorifying.htm - 12k

Fallen (233 Occurrences)
... hid, trembling, came, and having fallen before him, for what cause she touched him
declared to him before all the people, and how she was healed presently; (YLT ...
/f/fallen.htm - 38k

Fool's (10 Occurrences)
... pleasure. (WEB). Proverbs 12:16 A fool's wrath is presently known: but a
prudent man covereth shame. (KJV JPS ASV WBS NAS). Proverbs ...
/f/fool's.htm - 8k

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