ἄρτι (arti)
arti
now
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 36 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek adverb arti points to the immediate present, meaning "just now," "this very moment," or "at this time." It marks a sharp distinction between what has already happened and what is yet to come. In the New Testament, it appears frequently in John’s Gospel and Matthew, often anchoring a statement in the specific urgency of the current situation.
Lexical sources distinguish it from other words for "now" by emphasizing strict coincidence of time. While nu can denote the objective present, arti carries a sense of suspension or immediacy. This nuance is clear when Jesus tells his disciples he will see them again soon (John 16:32), or when Peter describes believers rejoicing in trials "though now for a little while" (1 Peter 1:6). The word captures a fleeting, precise instant.
Its usage often highlights a transition. In John 9:25, the healed man says he was blind but is now seeing, using arti to mark the sudden change in his reality. Similarly, Paul notes that what was once hidden is now revealed (Colossians 1:26, implied by context of "now" vs past). The term serves as a linguistic pivot, drawing attention to the decisive shift from one state of affairs to another.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word arti anchors us in the immediate present. It marks a sharp distinction between what has already happened and what is yet to come. In John’s Gospel, Jesus uses it to highlight urgent transitions. When He tells His disciples they will see Him again soon, this adverb captures the fleeting nature of that moment.
This precision reminds us that God meets us in our current reality. The healed man in John 9:25 declares, “though I was blind, now I see.” This is not just a statement of fact but a testimony to a decisive shift. Your faith journey includes such moments where the past gives way to new understanding.
Whether you are facing a sudden change or waiting for a promise, this word invites you to trust God in the “now.” It assures us that He is active in the present moment, bridging your current struggles with His future hope. Rest in the certainty that He is working even when the path ahead seems unclear.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 36 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- now13×
- presently6×
- now.6×
- Presently2×
- Now2×
- presently?1×
- presently,1×
- present1×
- now;1×
- now,1×
- now [though]1×
- at present,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἄρτι24×
- ἄρτι.5×
- ἄρτι,4×
- ἄρτι·1×
- ἄρτι;¶1×
- ἄρτι;1×
- ἄρτι.¶1×
Key Verses
-
John 9:25
He therefore answered, “I don’t know if he is a sinner. One thing I do know: that though I was blind, now I see.”
The healed man uses this word to mark the sudden, decisive shift from blindness to sight, emphasizing the immediacy of his new reality.
-
Matthew 26:53
Or do you think that I couldn’t ask my Father, and he would even now send me more than twelve legions of angels?
It highlights the immediate availability of divine help, showing that angelic rescue was an option right at that second.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does arti mean in the Bible?
How is arti different from other Greek words for 'now'?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Why is this word important for understanding Jesus' teachings?
Every Occurrence (36 verses across 9 books)
Matthew 7 verses
But Jesus, answering, said to him, “Allow it now, for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness.”…
Matthew 9:18While he told these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but…
Matthew 11:12From the days of John the Baptizer until now, the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.
Matthew 23:39For I tell you, you will not see me from now on, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’”
Matthew 26:29But I tell you that I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on, until that day when I drink it anew with…
Matthew 26:53Or do you think that I couldn’t ask my Father, and he would even now send me more than twelve legions of angels?
Matthew 26:64Jesus said to him, “You have said so. Nevertheless, I tell you, after this you will see the Son of Man sitting at the…