καιρός (kairos)
kairos
time/right time
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 80 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun kairos refers to a specific, opportune moment rather than mere duration. While the Greek word chronos counts the passing seconds, kairos identifies the quality of the time—the right season for action. In the New Testament, this distinction appears clearly when Jesus speaks of the "fullness of time" in Mark 1:15, signaling that a decisive historical window had opened.
Its meaning ranges from a fixed period to a critical turning point. The sources highlight its use in practical contexts, such as the fig tree bearing fruit at its proper season (Mark 11:13) or the landowner appointing a steward "at the proper time" (Matthew 24:45). It also carries theological weight, describing the present era of salvation as distinct from the age to come (Romans 8:18).
This word often implies urgency. Paul urges believers to "make the most of the time" because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16), treating kairos as a limited resource that must be seized. Translators typically render it as "time," "season," or "opportunity," capturing the sense of a moment that demands a response.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word kairos points to a specific, opportune moment rather than mere duration. While chronos counts passing seconds, kairos identifies the quality of time—the right season for action. Jesus used this concept when He announced that "the time is fulfilled" and God’s Kingdom had arrived (Mark 1:15). This shows that history is not random; it moves toward decisive moments where God acts.
For your daily life, this means there are seasons for waiting and seasons for acting. In Mark 11:13, Jesus found no figs because it was not the season for them, teaching us to recognize when we are in a time of growth versus a time of harvest. Paul also urged believers to make the most of the time because the days are evil (Ephesians 5:16). This word invites you to pay attention to the present moment as a gift from God.
When you feel uncertain about what to do next, remember that kairos is often linked to divine timing. God’s appointments are precise. You can trust that He sets the right times for every season of your life. Let this truth bring peace to your heart as you walk through each day with hope and patience.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 80 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- time32×
- season8×
- times5×
- seasons4×
- a time4×
- [the] time3×
- time,2×
- opportunity2×
- occasion2×
- times,1×
- time.1×
- time [for]1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- καιρῷ21×
- καιρὸν19×
- καιρὸς15×
- καιροῦ5×
- καιροῖς5×
- καιροὺς5×
- καιρόν,3×
- καιρῶν,2×
- καιρός2×
- καιροὶ2×
- καιρῷ;1×
- καιρῷ.1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 1:15
and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and God’s Kingdom is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Good News.”
This verse marks the turning point where Jesus declares that the prophetic time for God's Kingdom has arrived, shifting the focus from waiting to active repentance.
-
Mark 11:13
Seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came to see if perhaps he might find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs.
Jesus uses this occurrence to illustrate that spiritual fruitfulness depends on recognizing the proper season, showing that timing is essential for God's purposes.
-
Luke 19:44
and will dash you and your children within you to the ground. They will not leave in you one stone on another, because you didn’t know the time of your visitation.”
This verse highlights the tragic consequence of failing to recognize the specific moment of God's visitation, emphasizing the urgency of spiritual awareness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the word kairos mean in the Bible?
How is kairos different from chronos?
Why is kairos important for Christian living?
Every Occurrence (80 verses across 19 books)
Matthew 10 verses
Behold, they cried out, saying, “What do we have to do with you, Jesus, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us…
Matthew 11:25At that time, Jesus answered, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you hid these things from the wise…
Matthew 12:1At that time, Jesus went on the Sabbath day through the grain fields. His disciples were hungry and began to pluck…
Matthew 13:30Let both grow together until the harvest, and in the harvest time I will tell the reapers, “First, gather up the darnel…
Matthew 14:1At that time, Herod the tetrarch heard the report concerning Jesus,
Matthew 16:3In the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to…
Matthew 21:34When the season for the fruit came near, he sent his servants to the farmers to receive his fruit.
Matthew 21:41They told him, “He will miserably destroy those miserable men, and will lease out the vineyard to other farmers who…
Matthew 24:45“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord has set over his household, to give them their food in due…
Matthew 26:18He said, “Go into the city to a certain person, and tell him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is at hand. I will keep the…