εὐκαιρία
eukairía
G2120 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Favorable or advantageous time, occasion, or circumstance; specifically, a suitable or appropriate moment for action or decision. In Koine Greek, εὐκαιρία denotes not merely any moment, but one characterized by fitness or timeliness for a particular purpose. The word can denote practical opportunity, propitious timing, or a season when circumstances align for action.
Semantic Range
favorable occasion, opportunity, suitable time, advantageous circumstance, right moment, season (for action or event)
Root / Etymology
From εὔκαιρος (timely, well-timed, opportune), itself compounded from εὖ (well) + καιρός (critical time, season, due time) with the abstract noun ending -ία. Thus εὐκαιρία signifies the state or quality of being timely or opportune.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, εὐκαιρία appears in various authors as the state of possessing or finding a fitting or advantageous time or circumstance, often with reference to luck, strategy, or readiness. In Hellenistic and Koine usage (including the New Testament and wider Second Temple literature), it retains this sense, commonly describing moments that are especially suitable for an intended purpose (e.g., the 'right moment' to act, to speak, or to accomplish a plan). The term does not merely mean 'chance' but signals a confluence of circumstances making some action possible or desirable. In many English translations, 'opportunity' captures the primary sense, but 'favorable occasion' or 'season for action' can sometimes better represent the nuance, especially where timing or preparedness is emphasized. In the New Testament, εὐκαιρία appears rarely, often in connection with plans and intentions (cf. Mark 6:21; Luke 22:6; Acts 24:25), and always indicating a calculated or sought-after moment. It relates closely to καιρός, though εὐκαιρία always expresses the positive, 'fitting' character of the time, not simply any 'season.' Its use in the Septuagint is rare or unattested, indicating the term was more at home in broader Hellenistic contexts and later Greek literature.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from εὔκαιρος; a favorable occasion:--opportunity.
Root Family
εὐκαιρία (eukairía) — favorable time, opportune moment, suitable occasion
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2120-01 |
εὐκαιρίαν | eukairian | N ACC F SG |
opportunity | a favorable time | a favorable opportunity | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2120-01 |
Matthew 26:16 | εὐκαιρίαν | eukairian | N ACC F SG |
opportunity | a favorable time | a favorable time |
G2120-01 |
Luke 22:6 | εὐκαιρίαν | eukairian | N ACC F SG |
opportunity | a favorable time | a favorable opportunity |