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G2119 · Greek · New Testament
εὐκαιρέω
eukaireo
Verb
have opportunity, find time, be at leisure

Definition

Eukaireo means to have a good opportunity, to find the right moment, to have leisure for something. It combines eu (well) and kairos (the right time/season) with a verbal suffix, creating the idea of having a kairos moment available. The word speaks of windows of opportunity — time that is ripe for a particular action.

Usage & Theological Significance

The theology of time in Scripture distinguishes chronos (clock time) from kairos (right-time, opportunity). Eukaireo names the experience of having a kairos available. Mark 6:31 uses it when Jesus calls his disciples to come away and rest — they finally had time to eat. Acts 17:21 uses it ironically for the Athenians who spent all their time in philosophical discussion. Ephesians 5:16 commands believers to 'make the most of every opportunity [kairos]' — to seize eukaireo moments for the gospel and for righteousness.

Key Bible Verses

Mark 6:31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance [eukaireo] to eat, he said to them, 'Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.'
Acts 17:21 All the Athenians and the foreigners who lived there spent their time [eukaireo] doing nothing but talking about and listening to the latest ideas.
1 Corinthians 16:12 He will go when he has the opportunity [eukaireo].
Ephesians 5:16 making the most of every opportunity [kairos], because the days are evil.
Colossians 4:5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity [kairos].

Related Words

External Resources

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