Presently
A Word That Changed Meaning
The English word "presently" has undergone a significant shift in meaning over the centuries. In the early 1600s when the King James Version was translated, "presently" meant "immediately" or "at this very moment." In modern English, it has come to mean "soon" or "after a short time." This difference can cause confusion when reading older Bible translations, and later revisions have updated the language to reflect the original intent.
The Fig Tree That Withered Immediately
In Matthew 21:19, when Jesus cursed the barren fig tree, the King James Version states that it "presently dried up." The Revised Version renders this as "immediately," which captures the dramatic and instantaneous nature of the miracle. The fig tree did not gradually wither over hours or days — it dried up at once, demonstrating Christ's absolute authority over creation. This immediacy underscored his power and served as a visual lesson about fruitless religion.
Twelve Legions of Angels
In Matthew 26:53, Jesus tells Peter in the Garden of Gethsemane that he could "presently" pray to his Father and receive more than twelve legions of angels. The word here means "even now" or "at this very moment," emphasizing that Jesus' submission to arrest was entirely voluntary. He had immediate access to overwhelming divine power but chose the path of the cross. Understanding "presently" as "right now" deepens the theological significance of this moment.
Paul's Urgency for Timothy
In Philippians 2:23, Paul writes that he hopes to send Timothy "presently" once he sees how things go with his own circumstances. Here the sense is "forthwith" or "as soon as possible," expressing Paul's desire for prompt action in serving the Philippian church. The urgency reflects Paul's pastoral heart and his understanding that the work of the gospel requires timely response.
The Fool's Wrath
Proverbs 12:16 states that "a fool's wrath is presently known," meaning a fool's anger is revealed immediately, openly, without restraint. In contrast, a prudent person overlooks an insult. The proverb teaches emotional self-control and the wisdom of measured response — virtues that stand in contrast to the fool's inability to contain his feelings even for a moment.
Why Translation Matters
The evolution of the word "presently" serves as a reminder of why careful Bible translation matters. Words change meaning over time, and what once conveyed urgency and immediacy can come to suggest delay. Modern translations that render the underlying Greek and Hebrew more accurately help readers grasp the original force of these passages.
Biblical Context
The word 'presently' appears in older translations in Matthew 21:19 (the withered fig tree), Matthew 26:53 (Jesus declining angelic rescue), Philippians 2:23 (Paul's plans for Timothy), and Proverbs 12:16 (the fool's open anger). In each case, the original meaning is 'immediately' or 'at once.'
Theological Significance
Understanding 'presently' as 'immediately' heightens the theological impact of these passages. Jesus' instant authority over nature, his voluntary submission when he could have summoned angels at once, and the fool's inability to restrain anger all gain sharper meaning when the immediacy of the original is preserved.
Historical Background
The King James Version was published in 1611, when 'presently' consistently meant 'immediately.' Over the following centuries, the English word gradually shifted to mean 'soon' or 'in a little while.' This semantic drift is a common phenomenon in language evolution and has affected many words in the KJV, prompting later revisions and new translations.