εὐκαιρία (eukairia)
eukairia
opportunity
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun eukairia denotes a "seasonable time" or a favorable opportunity. Derived from the adjective meaning "fitting for the time," it appears only twice in the New Testament, specifically within the Passion narratives of Matthew and Luke. In both instances, the word describes the precise moment when Judas Iscariot found a suitable opening to betray Jesus (Matthew 26:16; Luke 22:6).
Unlike general terms for time, eukairia implies a specific window of convenience or advantage. The sources highlight its usage with infinitives, such as "with the intent to," emphasizing that this was not merely a random occurrence but a calculated moment seized by those seeking an outcome away from public scrutiny. It captures the tension between divine timing and human opportunism.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word eukairia points to a specific window of convenience or advantage. In the Gospels, it marks the moment Judas Iscariot found a suitable opening to betray Jesus (Matthew 26:16; Luke 22:6). This was not a random occurrence but a calculated moment seized by those seeking an outcome away from public scrutiny.
For your faith, this word highlights the tension between divine timing and human opportunism. While Judas used his opportunity for evil, God’s plan remained secure. You can trust that even when others seek to exploit moments for harm, God’s purposes are not thwarted by such actions.
This understanding encourages you to view your own opportunities with wisdom. Just as Jesus knew the right time and place, you can seek to act in ways that align with God’s will, rather than being driven by haste or hidden agendas. Your life is held in His hands.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- opportunity1×
- an opportunity1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- εὐκαιρίαν2×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 26:16
From that time he sought opportunity to betray him.
This verse shows Judas actively seeking a calculated moment to betray Jesus, highlighting the word's sense of a convenient opening for evil.
-
Luke 22:6
He consented and sought an opportunity to deliver him to them in the absence of the multitude.
Here, the opportunity is specifically framed as delivering Jesus 'in the absence of the multitude,' emphasizing the strategic advantage Judas sought.