Topical Encyclopedia
The term "presently" in contemporary usage often refers to something that will happen soon or in the near future. However, in biblical contexts, the understanding of time and immediacy can vary based on the original languages and the cultural context of the Scriptures.
Biblical Usage and ContextIn the Bible, the concept of time is often fluid, with terms that can mean both "immediately" and "soon" depending on the context. The Berean Standard Bible and other translations may not always use the word "presently," but the idea is conveyed through various expressions and narratives.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, the Hebrew language often uses terms that convey immediacy or a sense of urgency. For example, the Hebrew word "miyad" can mean "immediately" or "at once." This is seen in narratives where God's intervention or commands require prompt action. An example is found in the account of Abraham's obedience to God's command to sacrifice Isaac, where Abraham acts without delay (
Genesis 22:3).
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the Greek word "eutheos" is frequently used to denote immediacy or something happening "straightway" or "at once." This is particularly evident in the Gospel of Mark, which often emphasizes the swift actions of Jesus and His disciples. For instance,
Mark 1:18 states, "And immediately they left their nets and followed Him," highlighting the disciples' prompt response to Jesus' call.
Theological ImplicationsThe concept of "presently" or immediacy in the Bible often underscores the urgency of responding to God's call and the importance of readiness in the life of a believer. This is particularly relevant in eschatological teachings, where believers are encouraged to live in a state of preparedness for the return of Christ. Jesus' parables, such as the Parable of the Ten Virgins (
Matthew 25:1-13), emphasize the need for vigilance and readiness, as the timing of His return is unknown.
Practical ApplicationFor believers, the notion of "presently" serves as a reminder of the importance of living in the present moment with an eternal perspective. It encourages immediate obedience to God's commands and readiness for His plans. The urgency of the Gospel message calls Christians to act "presently" in sharing their faith and living out their convictions.
ConclusionWhile the term "presently" may not appear frequently in the biblical text, the concept it represents is woven throughout Scripture. It calls believers to a life of immediate obedience, readiness, and anticipation of God's work in their lives and the world.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
adv.) At present; at this time; now.
2. (adv.) At once; without delay; forthwith; also, less definitely, soon; shortly; before long; after a little while; by and by.
3. (adv.) With actual presence; actually .
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PRESENTLYprez'-ent-li: The strict meaning is of course "at the present moment," "instantly," and the modern force "after a short interval" is due simply to the procrastinating habits of mankind; hence, the Revised Version (British and American) modifications of the King James Version use of the word into "immediately" (Matthew 21:19), "even now" (Matthew 26:53), and "forthwith" (Philippians 2:23). InProverbs 12:16, the uncertainty of the meaning (margin "openly," Hebrew "in the day") has led to the retention of the King James Version word.
Greek
3916. parachrema -- instantly... Word Origin from para and chrema Definition instantly NASB Word Usage immediately
(14), once (3). immediately,
presently, straightway, soon.
...1824. exautes -- at once, forthwith
... sing. fem. of autos Definition at once, forthwith NASB Word Usage immediately
(2), moment (1), once (3). by and by, immediately,presently....
3936. paristemi -- to place beside, to present, stand by, appear
... figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or ready), aid --
assist, bring before, command, commend, givepresently, present, prove, provide...
5029. tacha -- quickly, perhaps
... perhaps. Part of Speech: Adverb Transliteration: tacha Phonetic Spelling:
(takh'-ah) Short Definition: quickly, perhaps Definition: quickly,presently, perhaps....
Strong's Hebrew
3117. yom -- day... Live), (even) now, + old, + outlived, + perpetually,
presently, + remaineth, X required,
season, X since, space, then, (process of) time, + as at other times
...Library
AndPresently Valerian Also, in a Mood Alike Frantic...
... Chap. V. Andpresently Valerian also, in a mood alike frantic? Andpresently
Valerian also, in a mood alike frantic, lifted up...
Antigonus Besieges those that were in Masada, whom Herod Frees...
... Antigonus Besieges Those That Were In Masada, Whom Herod Frees From Confinement
When He Came Back From Rome, AndPresently Marches To Jerusalem Where He Finds...
Next Day among his Letters were Two of Value in the History of...
...Presently the shout of the high priest rang like a trumpet-peal above the roofs
of the city. Then Jerusalem was all begirt and overflooded with song....
But that You May not Suppose this to be a Novel Doctrine Peculiar...
... fallen shall he not rise again?" take this proof from what follows; for he adds
immediately, "But if a man be dead, shall he live?" Andpresently afterwards he...
Matt. xxvi. 51-54.
... Thinkest [2997] thou that I cannot pray to the Father, and He shallpresently
[2998] give me more than twelve legions of angels?...
But Perhaps Some one is Alarmed at Hearing us Discourse of the...
...Presently thou wilt see Him of Whose death thou hearest once more immortal;
for the death to which He submits is about to spoil death....
But, if it Does not Weary You, Let the Point Out as Briefly as...
... Of this also the Prophet speaks, "And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me
my price, or if not, forbear;" andpresently, "I received from them," he says...
Caius Commands that his Statue Should be Set up in the Temple...
... spake of a war; but those that did believe them were in the utmost distress how
to defend themselves, and the terror diffused itselfpresently through them all...
Of the Withering of the Fig-Tree, and of the Question as to the...
... Andpresently the fig-tree withered away. And when the disciples saw it, they
marvelled, saying, How soon is the fig-tree withered away!...
How Antony at the Persuasion of Cleopatra Sent Herod to Fight...
... wall about their camp; yet did not the multitude comply with those orders, but were
so emboldened by their foregoing victory, that theypresently attacked the...
Thesaurus
Presently (25 Occurrences)... 3. (adv.) With actual presence; actually . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
PRESENTLY.
... Multi-Version Concordance
Presently (25 Occurrences).
...Praising (35 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Praising (35 Occurrences). Luke 1:64 and his mouth was
openedpresently, and his tongue, and he was speaking, praising God. (YLT NIV)....
Risen (169 Occurrences)
... Luke 4:39 and having stood over her, he rebuked the fever, and it left her, and
presently, having risen, she was ministering to them. (YLT)....
Presenting (16 Occurrences)
Presents (38 Occurrences)
Vexation (36 Occurrences)
... body. (See JPS DBY). Proverbs 12:16 A fool's vexation ispresently known;
But a prudent man concealeth shame. (See JPS ASV DBY RSV)....
Grow (139 Occurrences)
... Andpresently the fig tree withered away. (KJV WEY WBS). Matthew 24:12 Because
iniquity will be multiplied, the love of many will grow cold....
Glorifying (21 Occurrences)
... YLT NAS). Luke 13:13 and he laid on her 'his' hands, andpresently she was
set upright, and was glorifying God. (YLT NAS). Luke 17...
Fallen (233 Occurrences)
... hid, trembling, came, and having fallen before him, for what cause she touched him
declared to him before all the people, and how she was healedpresently; (YLT...
Fool's (10 Occurrences)
... pleasure. (WEB). Proverbs 12:16 A fool's wrath ispresently known: but a
prudent man covereth shame. (KJV JPS ASV WBS NAS). Proverbs...
Resources
Is ISIS a sign of the end times? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the concept of "already but not yet"? | GotQuestions.orgIs the United States a Christian nation? | GotQuestions.orgPresently: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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