εὐκαιρέω
eukairéō
G2119 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To have or find a suitable or favorable time (for action); to have opportunity or leisure. Primary meaning is to have an appropriate, opportune, or convenient moment, particularly for doing something; in contexts, it specifically connotes having the time, freedom, or favorable circumstances to attend to an activity or to be available for someone.
Semantic Range
to have a suitable or favorable time for action, to have opportunity, to have leisure or availability, to seize or enjoy an opportune moment, to find the right time
Root / Etymology
Formed from εὔκαιρος ('well-timed, opportune, suitable') and the verbal ending -έω, indicating the verbal idea 'to be or act in accordance with being well-timed or opportune.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, εὐκαιρέω refers to seizing or having a fitting occasion; in Hellenistic and Koine usage, especially in the New Testament (e.g., Mark 6:31, 1 Corinthians 16:12), it is used for having leisure or opportunity to act—often with the nuance of finally being free from pressing duties. The term does not inherently imply idleness, but rather the positive concept of a right or suitable time for action (contrast with σχολάζω, which can mean 'to be at leisure, idle'). English translations as 'have leisure' may obscure the focus on opportunity rather than rest or recreation. The word is relatively rare in the New Testament and maintains consistent meaning between secular Koine and biblical sources.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from εὔκαιρος; to have good time, i.e. opportunity or leisure:--have leisure (convenient time), spend time.
Root Family
εὐκαιρέω (eukaireō) — timeliness, suitability, opportunity
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2119-02 |
εὐκαίρουν | eukairoun | V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL |
spent their time | they were having opportunity | they had leisure | 2 |
G2119-01 |
εὐκαιρήσῃ | eukairese | V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P SG |
he has opportunity | may find opportunity | he may have opportunity | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2119-02 |
Mark 6:31 | εὐκαίρουν | eukairoun | V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL |
they had leisure | they were having opportunity | they had leisure |
G2119-02 |
Acts 17:21 | ηὐκαίρουν | eukairoun | V IMPF ACT IND 3P PL |
spent their time | they were having opportunity | they were having opportunity |
G2119-01 |
1 Corinthians 16:12 | εὐκαιρήσῃ | eukairese | V AOR ACT SUBJ 3P SG |
he has opportunity | may find opportunity | he may have opportunity |