παραχρῆμα (parachrēma)
parachrēma
instantly
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 19 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb parachrēma conveys immediate action, meaning "at once," "instantly," or "on the spot." It appears nineteen times in the New Testament, with a notable concentration in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, as well as in Acts. This word captures moments where there is no delay between a command, a prayer, or an event and its fulfillment.
Its etymology links to the phrase "according to the time" or "at the present moment," emphasizing precision rather than just speed. In Scripture, it often marks the suddenness of divine intervention or healing. For instance, in Luke 1:64, John the Baptist’s mouth is opened immediately after his father Zechariah regains speech, and in Acts 3:7, Peter heals a lame man who stands up at once.
Translators typically render this word as "immediately" or "at once," though these English terms can sometimes feel routine. The Greek carries a sharper sense of punctuality—the action happens exactly when expected, without hesitation. This usage underscores the authority behind Jesus’ words and the power of the early church’s ministry.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word parachrēma reminds us that God’s response to our needs is often swift and decisive. In the Gospels, it marks moments where Jesus’ authority meets human brokenness, resulting in instant healing or restoration. This precision shows that divine power does not hesitate when compassion calls for action.
For your daily life, this offers comfort. When you bring your burdens to God, He hears and acts with purposeful timing. Whether it is a sudden peace in anxiety or a clear path in confusion, His intervention can be as immediate as the healing of the lame man in Acts 3. Trust that His grace arrives exactly when needed.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 19 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- immediately13×
- immediately.2×
- Immediately2×
- so quickly1×
- immediately,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- παραχρῆμα15×
- παραχρῆμα.2×
- παραχρῆμά1×
- παραχρῆμα,1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:64
His mouth was opened immediately and his tongue freed, and he spoke, blessing God.
Zechariah’s speech is restored instantly after his silence, showing God’s power to reverse human limitation without delay.
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Acts 3:7
He took him by the right hand and raised him up. Immediately his feet and his ankle bones received strength.
Peter raises the lame man, and his feet immediately receive strength, demonstrating the apostolic authority of the early church.
-
Luke 8:44
came behind him and touched the fringe of his cloak. Immediately the flow of her blood stopped.
The woman’s bleeding stops at the moment she touches Jesus’ cloak, highlighting the immediate effect of faithful contact with Christ.
-
Acts 16:33
He took them the same hour of the night and washed their stripes, and was immediately baptized, he and all his household.
The jailer and his household are baptized immediately after their conversion, illustrating the prompt obedience that follows genuine faith.