εὐκαίρως
eukaírōs
G2122 adverb
SILEX Entry
Definition
In a timely manner; at an opportune or favorable time. The adverb εὐκαίρως denotes doing something when the circumstances are suitable, advantageous, or appropriate. It marks actions carried out at a fitting or propitious moment, either generally or specifically in relation to events, speech, or activities. The sense may include 'at the right time,' 'when it is suitable,' or 'under favorable circumstances.'
Semantic Range
in a timely manner, opportunely, at a favorable moment, at the right time, when circumstances are suitable, in season
Root / Etymology
From εὔκαιρος (having a good opportunity, timely, seasonable) + adverbial ending -ως. The root is εὖ ('well') + καιρός ('due time,' 'season,' 'opportune time').
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, εὐκαίρως is used to describe actions taken at a suitable or favorable juncture, contrasting with ἀκαίρως (untimely, inopportunely). The term is often associated with the concept of καιρός—a critical or decisive point in time—rather than χρόνος, which denotes chronological or quantitative time. In the New Testament (e.g., Mark 14:11), it refers to acting 'conveniently' or 'when the opportunity arose,' without implying moral judgment about the act itself. Standard translations such as 'conveniently,' 'in season,' or 'at an opportune time' reflect the semantic range fairly well but may not always fully convey the significance of acting at the 'right' or 'favorable' moment as shaped by the context.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
adverb from εὔκαιρος; opportunely:--conveniently, in season.
Root Family
καιρ- (akairéomai) — to lack the opportune moment, to miss the right time, to be without opportunity
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| G170 | ἀκαιρέομαι | you were lacking opportunity |
| G171 | ἀκαίρως | at an unsuitable time |
| G2119 | εὐκαιρέω | may find opportunity |
| G2121 | εὔκαιρος | opportune (feminine singular accusative) |
| G2540 | καιρός | at an appointed time |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2122-01 |
εὐκαίρως | eukairos | ADV |
conveniently | at an opportune time | at an opportune time | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2122-01 |
Mark 14:11 | εὐκαίρως | eukairos | ADV |
conveniently | at an opportune time | at an opportune time |
G2122-01 |
2 Timothy 4:2 | εὐκαίρως | eukairos | ADV |
in season | at an opportune time | at an opportune time |