εὔκαιρος
eúkairos
G2121 attributive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Well-timed, occurring at the appropriate or advantageous moment. Refers to something happening or being done at a suitable or favorable time, especially in contexts where timeliness is critical to its effectiveness.
Semantic Range
timely, opportune, seasonable, at a suitable or advantageous time, occurring at the right moment, convenient, in season
Root / Etymology
From the adverb εὖ (well, rightly) and the noun καιρός (critical time, suitable time, appointed time). The compound thus literally means 'well-timed' or 'having a good opportunity.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, εὔκαιρος describes actions, moments, or conditions that are timely or meet the needs of the situation (cf. Demosthenes, Polybius). In the New Testament (e.g., Mark 6:21; 2 Timothy 4:2), it often conveys the idea of an opportune or appropriate time for action, teaching, or intervention—a time 'in season.' Unlike χρόνος, which refers to chronological or clock time, καιρός denotes a qualitative moment or occasion, so εὔκαιρος highlights the fitness and strategic value of timing rather than mere sequence. English translations such as 'convenient,' 'in season,' or 'timely' often capture a part but not the full nuance, which emphasizes suitability and advantageousness. The term can carry a positive connotation of wisdom or discernment in recognizing or seizing the right moment. Not used in the Septuagint, but parallels can be found in Greek literature of the era.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from εὖ and καιρός; well-timed, i.e. opportune:--convenient, in time of need.
Root Family
εὔκαιρος (eukairos) — fitting time, opportunity, season
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2121-02 |
εὐκαίρου | eukairou | ADJ.A GEN F SG |
convenient | of a well-timed | well-timed | 1 |
G2121-01 |
εὔκαιρον | eukairon | ADJ.A ACC F SG |
timely | opportune (feminine singular accusative) | timely | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2121-02 |
Mark 6:21 | εὐκαίρου | eukairou | ADJ.A GEN F SG |
convenient | of a well-timed | well-timed |
G2121-01 |
Hebrews 4:16 | εὔκαιρον | eukairon | ADJ.A ACC F SG |
timely | opportune (feminine singular accusative) | timely |