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παραχρῆμα

parachrēma

G3916 adverb

SILEX Entry

Definition

Directly, immediately, at once — indicating that something happens with no delay following another event. While the core meaning is 'at that very moment,' the term can also denote promptness or immediacy of action within a sequence. In Koine contexts, frequently describes immediate physical changes or direct responses, especially in narrative or miracle accounts.

Semantic Range

immediately, at once, directly, right away, forthwith, without delay

Root / Etymology

From παρά (beside, at) and χρῆμα (thing, matter, affair); thus, literally 'at the very thing' or 'at that instant.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, παραχρῆμα signified 'on the spot' or 'immediately,' often in both literal (temporal) and figurative (conceptual) senses. In Hellenistic and especially New Testament usage, its primary function is to mark that something occurs without delay. This usage is frequent in narrative contexts, such as in accounts of healings or sudden changes, where it emphasizes the instantaneousness of an event. In the Septuagint and New Testament, the word does not imply a vague 'soon' but rather underscores actions happening at the very moment spoken of. English translations like 'immediately,' 'at once,' and 'forthwith' often capture its force, but 'presently' (in older English) may suggest a less direct sense than the Greek warrants. It contrasts with ἐξαίφνης (suddenly), which can describe unexpectedness rather than sequence or immediacy; παραχρῆμα emphasizes temporal proximity and direct connection to a preceding action or statement. Usage in Koine Greek is much more common in narrative or oral contexts than in formal literary prose.

Translation Consistency

primary "immediately" 18 occurrences

parachrēma consistently denotes instant or prompt action—’immediately’ is the most natural, common English adverb that captures the typical Koine sense (“at that very moment” / “without delay”). It preserves immediacy in narrative and miracle contexts and is clearer and more precise than the alternate rendering ‘that,’ which is ambiguous as a demonstrative/conjunction.

✓ All renderings match approved senses

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from παρά and χρῆμα (in its original sense); at the thing itself, i.e. instantly:--forthwith, immediately, presently, straightway, soon.

Root Family

παραχρῆμα (parachrēma) — at the very thing, on the spot, immediately

Root χρῆμα at the very thing, on the spot, immediately

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3916-01 παραχρῆμα parachrema ADV immediately at that very instant immediately 18

Occurrences in Scripture

18 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3916-01 Matthew 21:19 παραχρῆμα parachrema ADV immediately at that very instant immediately
G3916-01 Matthew 21:20 παραχρῆμα parachrema ADV quickly at that very instant immediately
G3916-01 Luke 1:64 παραχρῆμα parachrema ADV immediately at that very instant immediately
G3916-01 Luke 4:39 παραχρῆμα parachrema ADV immediately at that very instant immediately
G3916-01 Luke 5:25 παραχρῆμα parachrema ADV immediately at that very instant immediately
G3916-01 Luke 8:44 παραχρῆμα parachrema ADV immediately at that very instant immediately
G3916-01 Luke 8:47 παραχρῆμα parachrema ADV immediately at that very instant immediately
G3916-01 Luke 8:55 παραχρῆμα parachrema ADV immediately at that very instant immediately
G3916-01 Luke 13:13 παραχρῆμα parachrema ADV immediately at that very instant immediately
G3916-01 Luke 18:43 παραχρῆμα parachrema ADV immediately at that very instant immediately
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