παραυτίκα

immediate

Definition

The Greek word παραυτίκα is an adverb meaning 'immediately,' 'at once,' or 'for the present moment.' It emphasizes the immediate, temporary, and often fleeting nature of a circumstance in contrast to something more lasting. In its sole New Testament occurrence in 2 Corinthians 4:17, it describes the 'light momentary affliction' that is experienced in the present time, directly contrasted with the 'eternal weight of glory' that is to come. The word carries a sense of temporal limitation, pointing to something that exists only in the immediate context.

Biblical Usage

παραυτίκα is used only once in the New Testament, in 2 Corinthians 4:17. In this context, the Apostle Paul uses it to qualify the nature of earthly suffering, describing it as 'light' and 'momentary' (παραυτίκα). Its usage is entirely comparative, setting the temporary, present hardship against the eternal, future glory promised to believers. This singular, powerful usage establishes its role in highlighting a temporal contrast within Christian eschatology and hope.

Etymology

The word is derived from the preposition παρά (para), meaning 'beside' or 'alongside,' combined with an adverbial form related to αὐτός (autos, 'self') and the suffix -ικα, creating a sense of 'at this very point' or 'on the spot.' It essentially means 'at the immediate side' of the present moment, hence 'immediately' or 'for the present.'

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it anchors a key contrast in Christian hope. By defining suffering as 'παραυτίκα'—momentary and for the present—Paul (2 Corinthians 4:17) relativizes all earthly trials in light of eternal reality. It enriches the reading by emphasizing that the believer's perspective must transcend immediate circumstances. This term is foundational to doctrines of perseverance, future glory, and the already/not-yet tension of the kingdom, teaching that present difficulties are temporary when weighed against God's eternal promises.

In the Hellenistic world, the concept of contrasting the fleeting present with a more substantial, lasting reality was a common philosophical theme, particularly in Stoic thought. Paul's use of παραυτίκα would resonate with this cultural understanding of temporal versus eternal, but he uniquely redeems the concept by anchoring the 'lasting' reality not in philosophical abstraction but in the concrete, future glory given by God through Christ.

εὐθέως (eutheōs, G2112) — emphasizes swift succession in time ('immediately afterwards'). νῦν (nyn, G3568) — a more general term for 'now' or the present time, without the inherent contrast with a future state.

Word Details

Scripture References