What is the meaning of the Greek word kairos?

Have you ever heard of the Greek word, kairos (silent 'a')? This word means “opportunity,” “season,” “a fixed time,” or “pregnant time.”

Kairos is the opposite of chronos, which is another Greek word for time. But unlike kairos, chronos deals with minutes, seconds, and sequential events (think of a regular clocking ticking). In other words, chronos is predictive. There is always 60 seconds to one minute and 24 hours in one day. This is completely different from kairos, however.

In Ephesians 5:15-16, the word kairos is used when Paul states, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.”

As we walk in the Spirit, we need to be sensitive to His timing. For instance, you might decide to pray from 1:00 A.M. to 2:00 A.M. (chronos), but the Holy Spirit might have you continue praying beyond that specific time because He is causing a great breakthrough in the spiritual realm at 2:30 A.M.

Here is another example. You might see a homeless person and the Holy Spirit will tell you to purchase food for him. Why? So you can demonstrate God's love to that displaced individual, which could soften his heart and cause him to accept salvation.

Bible verses that use the word chronos:

• When Jesus had stepped out on land, there met him a man from the city who had demons. For a long time (chronos) he had worn no clothes, and he had not lived in a house but among the tombs. (Luke 8:27, ESV)

• But when the fullness of time (chronos) had come, God sent forth his Son… (Gal. 4:4, ESV)
  

Bible verses that use the word kairos:

• When the season (kairos) for fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to get his fruit. (Matthew 21:34, ESV)

• Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time (kairos) is near. (Revelation 1:3, ESV)

• For the revelation awaits an appointed time; it speaks of the end and will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it; it will certainly come and will not delay (Habakkuk 2:3, NIV).

• and which now at his appointed season he has brought to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior... (Titus 1:3, NIV)

• “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”(Mark 1:15,NIV)

• You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. (Romans 5:6, NIV)

• So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:10, ESV)

• For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.”

• Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (2 Corinthians 6:2, ESV)
  

• Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time [kairos] we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)
  
  

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we love You. You are righteous, merciful, gracious, just, and strategic. Father, there is a time for everything “chronos-wise” and “kairos-wise.” Help us to be able to discern Your timing. Teach us, Holy Spirit. We will use our time wisely in serving the Lord. There is a time to witness to particular individuals. There is a time to sing a particular song, dance a particular dance, teach a particular sermon, etc. Holy Spirit, teach us the clock system of the spiritual realm in the name of Jesus. So that like Sarah we will give birth at the appointed time as You said in Genesis 18:13, Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ 14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” AMEN!

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