ἤδη (ēdē)
ēdē
already
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 56 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb ēdē marks a point in time that has arrived, translated as "now," "already," or "by this time." It signals that an event is not merely future but present and immediate. In the Gospels, it often heightens the urgency of a situation, such as when the disciples note that Jesus’ friends have already died (John 11:39) or when Mark describes the storm as having reached its peak (Mark 4:37).
Its etymology suggests a combination of particles emphasizing immediacy. Papyrus letters from the first century show it used in urgent requests, meaning "now, at once." This practical sense carries into Scripture, where it underscores that the moment for action or realization is here. Paul uses it to describe spiritual realities that are currently active, such as the mystery that was hidden but is now revealed (Romans 16:25).
Translators must choose between "already" and "now" based on context. When paired with νῦν ("now"), as in 1 John 4:3, it reinforces the current reality of a truth. The word serves as a temporal marker, reminding readers that divine promises are not distant hopes but present realities to be acknowledged.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word ἤδη (ēdē) serves as a gentle but firm reminder that God’s work is not always confined to the future. It translates to "already" or "now," marking the moment when a promise moves from hope into present reality. When Jesus speaks of spiritual truths using this term, He invites us to notice what has quietly taken root in our lives. It is an invitation to look around and recognize that grace is active here and now, not just something we wait for later.
In moments of uncertainty, this word can anchor our hearts. Consider the disciples facing a storm; they saw only the waves filling the boat, but Jesus saw the moment where His peace could break through. Similarly, when we feel stuck in old patterns, ἤδη reminds us that new life has already begun within us through Christ. We do not need to manufacture faith from scratch; we simply need to open our eyes to what is already true.
This awareness shifts our perspective from striving to resting. It encourages us to live with the confidence that God’s promises are current realities. Whether in times of joy or trial, we can trust that the work He started is actively unfolding. Let this truth bring you peace today, knowing that you are held by a God who acts in the present moment.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 56 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- already38×
- Already8×
- now7×
- already.2×
- already,2×
- now,1×
- already!1×
- already [it is]1×
- Now1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἤδη53×
- ἤδη.3×
- ἤδη,3×
- Ἤδη2×
Key Verses
-
John 3:18
He who believes in him is not judged. He who doesn’t believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only born Son of God.
This verse uses ἤδη to emphasize that judgment is a current state based on belief, not a distant future event.
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Mark 4:37
A big wind storm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so much that the boat was already filled.
Here the word highlights the immediate physical reality of the storm, showing how urgent circumstances often precede divine intervention.
-
Luke 12:49
“I came to throw fire on the earth. I wish it were already kindled.
Jesus expresses a deep desire for spiritual fire to be already kindled, revealing His passion for immediate transformation.
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John 4:35
Don’t you say, ‘There are yet four months until the harvest’? Behold, I tell you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, that they are white for harvest already.
This occurrence challenges the disciples' timeline, urging them to see the harvest as ready now rather than months away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word ἤδη mean in the Bible?
How is ἤδη different from other words for "now"?
Why does Jesus use ἤδη in John 4:35?
Does this word appear in the Old Testament?
Every Occurrence (56 verses across 13 books)
Matthew 7 verses
Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that doesn’t produce good fruit is cut down, and…
Matthew 5:28but I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his…
Matthew 14:15When evening had come, his disciples came to him, saying, “This place is deserted, and the hour is already late. Send…
Matthew 14:24But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, distressed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.
Matthew 15:32Jesus summoned his disciples and said, “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have continued with me now…
Matthew 17:12but I tell you that Elijah has come already, and they didn’t recognize him, but did to him whatever they wanted to.…
Matthew 24:32“Now from the fig tree learn this parable: When its branch has now become tender and produces its leaves, you know that…