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ἤδη

ḗdē

G2235 adverb

SILEX Entry

Root ἠδ- already, now, by this time

Definition

A temporal adverb meaning 'already'—expressing that something has occurred or a condition is in place prior to the time of speaking or at an earlier point than expected. Also used to mean 'now, by this time, at this point' in a process or sequence of events, often with a sense of emphasis on the current result of a prior expectation or development.

Semantic Range

already, by now, at this point (in time), now (especially with emphasis on change from a prior state), by this time, even now

Root / Etymology

Composed of ἤ (now, already) and δή (an emphatic particle indicating certainty or immediacy), thus forming a compound adverb expressing heightened temporal immediacy or transition. The elements are both archaic particles that combine for strengthened temporal sense. The precise origin is debated; some philologists see the combination as idiomatic rather than truly compositional.

Historical & Contextual Notes

ἤδη appears frequently in classical and Koine Greek (including the Septuagint and New Testament) as a temporal marker, functioning to emphasize the accomplished aspect or unexpected timing of an event or situation. In narrative, it signifies that a change has taken place; in discourse, it can indicate that a prior state or action is now completed. Sometimes contrasted with ἔτι ('still, yet, even now'), with ἤδη marking an endpoint where something is 'no longer' the case. English translations like 'already' or 'by now' often accurately convey the term, but the connotation of expectation or contrast with a prior state can be lost. In the NT, ἤδη often signals fulfillment, completion, or the arrival of a critical moment. In classical Greek, it is widely attested with a largely similar meaning, though sometimes its precise force is contextual: signifying the moment at which a process or change has culminated. There are no significant shifts between classical and Koine usage, though the frequency increases in the latter. Not to be confused with δή alone, which simply emphasizes or makes explicit, or with μόλις ('barely, scarcely'), which marks the immediacy or recentness of an event.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

apparently from ἤ (or possibly ἦ) and δή; even now:--already, (even) now (already), by this time.

Root Family

ἤδη (ēdē) — already, now, by this time

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G2235-01 ἤδη ede ADV already already 61

Occurrences in Scripture

61 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G2235-01 Matthew 3:10 ἤδη ede ADV already
G2235-01 Matthew 5:28 ἤδη ede ADV already
G2235-01 Matthew 14:15 ἤδη ede ADV already
G2235-01 Matthew 14:24 ἤδη ede ADV already
G2235-01 Matthew 15:32 ἤδη ede ADV already
G2235-01 Matthew 17:12 ἤδη ede ADV already
G2235-01 Matthew 24:32 ἤδη ede ADV already
G2235-01 Mark 4:37 ἤδη ede ADV already already
G2235-01 Mark 6:35 ἤδη ede ADV already already
G2235-01 Mark 6:35 ἤδη ede-2 ADV already already
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