πρόσκαιρος
próskairos
G4340 predicate adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Temporary, lasting for a limited period or occasion; describes something that endures or exists only for a specific time, not permanent or enduring. In contexts, used of things or persons whose condition, existence, or effect is restricted to a short or set period.
Semantic Range
temporary, for a season, lasting for a time, passing, transient, not enduring, of limited duration
Root / Etymology
Formed from the preposition πρός (toward, for) and καιρός (appointed time, season, (right) moment); thus, literally 'for a season' or 'for a time.' Not attested before Hellenistic Greek.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Πρόσκαιρος is a Hellenistic compound, rare prior to Koine; not present in classical literature. In the Septuagint and New Testament, it characteristically refers to something that is fleeting or does not endure—contrasted with what is ἀίδιος (perpetual) or αἰώνιος (everlasting). When describing persons (e.g., Mark 4:17; Matt 13:21), it characterizes those whose commitment or perseverance is short-lived, without lasting endurance. The nuance is of transience—subject to change or interruption—rather than simply 'short-term.' Later translations often render as 'for a time,' 'for a season,' or 'temporary,' but the Greek emphasizes contrast with stability and permanence. The term is not inherently pejorative but often carries negative connotations in ethical or soteriological contexts. No evident distinction is made in the New Testament between secular and religious application; used of both worldly things (2 Cor 4:18) and people's responses (parabolic contexts).
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from πρός and καιρός; for the occasion only, i.e. temporary:--dur-(eth) for awhile, endure for a time, for a season, temporal.
Root Family
πρόσκαιρος (proskairos) — time, season, occasion; temporary duration
Word Forms
4 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4340-03 |
πρόσκαιρον | proskairon | ADJ.S ACC F SG |
temporary | temporary (feminine singular accusative) | temporary | 1 |
G4340-02 |
πρόσκαιροί | proskairoi | ADJ.P NOM M PL |
temporary | temporary ones | temporary ones | 1 |
G4340-04 |
πρόσκαιρός | proskairos | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
temporary | temporary | temporary | 1 |
G4340-01 |
πρόσκαιρα | proskaira | ADJ.P NOM N PL |
temporal | temporary things | temporary things | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4340-04 |
Matthew 13:21 | πρόσκαιρός | proskairos | ADJ.P NOM M SG |
temporary | temporary | temporary |
G4340-02 |
Mark 4:17 | πρόσκαιροί | proskairoi | ADJ.P NOM M PL |
temporary | temporary ones | temporary ones |
G4340-01 |
2 Corinthians 4:18 | πρόσκαιρα | proskaira | ADJ.P NOM N PL |
temporal | temporary things | temporary things |
G4340-03 |
Hebrews 11:25 | πρόσκαιρον | proskairon | ADJ.S ACC F SG |
temporary | temporary (feminine singular accusative) | temporary |