Topical Encyclopedia
The term "forthwith" is an adverb used in the Bible to denote immediacy or promptness in action. It is often employed in the context of events that occur without delay, emphasizing the urgency or the immediate nature of the action being described. In the Berean Standard Bible , "forthwith" is used to convey the swift response or action taken by individuals, often in obedience to divine instruction or in reaction to significant events.
Biblical Usage:1.
Immediate Response to Divine Command: In the New Testament, "forthwith" is frequently used to describe the immediate response of individuals to Jesus' commands or actions. For example, in
Matthew 8:3 , when Jesus heals a leper, it is written, "Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. 'I am willing,' He said, 'be clean!' And immediately his leprosy was cleansed." The use of "forthwith" in similar contexts underscores the power and authority of Jesus' words, as well as the readiness of those who follow Him to act without hesitation.
2.
Prompt Action in Miraculous Events: The term is also used in the context of miraculous events, highlighting the instantaneous nature of the miracles performed by Jesus. In
Mark 1:31 , when Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law, it states, "So He went to her, took her by the hand, and helped her up. The fever left her, and she began to serve them." The immediacy of the healing is captured by the concept of "forthwith," illustrating the divine intervention and the transformative power of Christ's miracles.
3.
Urgency in Apostolic Actions: The apostles and early disciples often acted "forthwith" in response to the Holy Spirit's guidance or in the execution of their mission. In
Acts 9:18 , after Saul's encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, it is recorded, "At that instant, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and his sight was restored. He got up and was baptized." The use of "forthwith" in such narratives emphasizes the urgency and importance of the apostolic mission and the transformative impact of divine encounters.
Theological Implications:The use of "forthwith" in the Bible reflects a theological emphasis on obedience, readiness, and the transformative power of divine intervention. It underscores the expectation that believers respond promptly to God's call and the immediacy of God's action in the world. This term serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared to act in faith and obedience, trusting in the power and timing of God's will.
Cultural and Historical Context:In the cultural and historical context of the Bible, the concept of acting "forthwith" aligns with the values of honor and duty prevalent in ancient Near Eastern societies. Promptness in action was often associated with respect and reverence, particularly in response to authority figures or divine commands. The biblical use of "forthwith" thus resonates with the cultural understanding of immediate and respectful action in response to a higher authority.
Overall, "forthwith" in the Bible conveys a sense of urgency and immediacy, reflecting the dynamic and responsive nature of faith in action. It highlights the importance of readiness and the transformative impact of divine encounters, encouraging believers to act swiftly in accordance with God's will.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
adv.) Immediately; without delay; directly.
2. (adv.) As soon as the thing required may be done by reasonable exertion confined to that object.
Greek
1824. exautes -- at once,forthwith... at once,
forthwith. Part of Speech: Adverb Transliteration: exautes Phonetic Spelling:
(ex-ow'-tace) Short Definition: immediately, instantly Definition
...2117. euthus -- straight, straightway
... 1), right (2), straight (6). by and by,forthwith, immediately, straightway.
Perhaps from eu and tithemi; straight, ie (literally...
2112. eutheos -- at once, directly
... as soon as,forthwith, immediately. Adverb from euthus; directly, ie At once or
soon -- anon, as soon as,forthwith, immediately, shortly, straightway....
3916. parachrema -- instantly
... From para and chrema (in its original sense); at the thing itself, ie Instantly --
forthwith, immediately, presently, straightway, soon. see GREEK para....
5030. tacheos -- quickly, hastily
... Cognate: 5030 (an adverb) -- (quickly,forthwith); speedily, to the extent conditions
make appropriate; , defined by the particular situation. See 5035 ()....
Strong's Hebrew
629. osparna -- thoroughly, with (all) diligence... fast,
forthwith, speedily. (Aramaic) of Persian derivation; diligently -- fast,
forthwith, speed(-ily). 628, 629. osparna. 630 . Strong's Numbers.
Library
Why it is That, as Soon as Cain's Son Enoch Has Been Named, the...
... Chapter 21."Why It is That, as Soon as Cain's Son Enoch Has Been Named, the Genealogy
isForthwith Continued as Far as the Deluge, While After the Mention of...
Things which are Characteristic of Mark.
... which occurs with even greater frequency in this second Gospel is the Greek word
"Eutheos," which is variously translated "forthwith, straightway, immediately...
How, by the Contrivance of the Devil, Brother Juniper was...
... a person worthy of credit; and he commanded a strict watch to be kept, and that
if such a person would present himself he should be brought before himforthwith...
Already in Passing I have Spoken on These Things...
... But if they could, they would not hesitate, butforthwith work evil (for
all their desire is set on this), and especially against us....
Whether any Good Works are Necessary that Man May Receive...
... For since God is an agent of infinite power, He requires before acting, neither
matter, nor disposition of matter, but canforthwith produce the whole effect....
Five Books in Reply to Marcion.
... 5 In him,"not with impunity, indeed; For heforthwith, as guilty of the
deed,.... Are healed; now walks the lame; the deafforthwith....
The Death of Pilate, who Condemned Jesus.
... venerable face. Therefore, if thy lord will devoutly gaze upon His face, [2029]
he shall obtainforthwith the benefit of health. And he...
But Perhaps Some one is Alarmed at Hearing us Discourse of the...
... death seized the body of Jesus in death, not being aware of the hook of Divinity
inclosed within it, but having swallowed it he was caughtforthwith, and the...
A Strain of the Judgment of the Lord.
... And cut from waving grass the leafy flowers? 10Forthwith the breezes of celestial
light....Forthwith how to discriminate alike. Evil and equity, God him forbade....
The Sower.
... some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: some fell
upon stony places, where they had not much earth: andforthwith they sprung...
Thesaurus
Forthwith (30 Occurrences)... 2. (adv.) As soon as the thing required may be done by reasonable exertion confined
to that object. Multi-Version Concordance
Forthwith (30 Occurrences).
...Presently (25 Occurrences)
... 2. (adv.) At once; without delay;forthwith; also, less definitely, soon;
shortly; before long; after a little while; by and by....
Philip (37 Occurrences)
... He readily responded to the call of Jesus when first addressed to him (43),
andforthwith brought Nathanael also to Jesus (45, 46)....
Fortieth (4 Occurrences)
Forth (1639 Occurrences)
... Matthew 13:5 Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth: andforthwith
they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth: (Root in KJV WBS...
Violently (92 Occurrences)
... a loud voice, came out of him. (BBE NIV). Mark 5:13 Andforthwith Jesus gave
them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered...
Zedekiah (63 Occurrences)
... false prophet. Then, smiting his opponent, he prayed that if he were in
the wrong his right hand mightforthwith be withered. Ahab...
Nabal (18 Occurrences)
... threatened her household. Sheforthwith proceeded to the camp of David, bringing
with her ample stores of provisions (25:18). She so...
Offered (320 Occurrences)
... (See RSV NIV). Matthew 27:48 One of them ranforthwith, and filling a sponge with
sour wine put it on the end of a cane and offered it Him to drink; (WEY NIV)....
John (154 Occurrences)
... There he heard the announcement, "Behold the Lamb of God," andforthwith, on the
invitation of Jesus, became a disciple and ranked among his followers (John 1...
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