I.
Introduction
a. Time statements in the Bible are
extremely important to interpreting some key scriptures. We must not be fooled
into thinking that God cannot tell Time.
b. One mistake of many exegetes is their
abandonment of time statements simply because they disagree with their view of
scriptures.
c. One phrase that is often overlooked
and completely ignored or redefined is the phrase “at hand.”
d. “At hand” is used 21 times in the
King James Version and is translated from 4 different Greek words: eggizo, eggus, enistemi, and ephistemi.
II.
“Eggizo”
(eng-id'-zo, G1448)
a. This is used 43 times in the KJV and
is translated at hand, draweth nigh, drew near, and came nigh – among others.
b. It means “draw nigh, approach, has
come night, etc.”
c. It is translated “at hand” 9 times in
the KJV
1. Matthew 3:2
2. Matthew 4:17
3. Matthew 10:7
4. Mark 1:15
ii.
In
relation to the betrayal and arrest of Jesus
1. Matthew 26:45-46
2. Mark 14:42
iii.
In
relation to the destruction of Jerusalem
1. Romans 13:12
2. I Peter 4:7
d. To better understand this term we can
notice the language used in Mark 9:1.
i.
Read Mark 9:1
1. At hand
can indicate within the lifetime of the original audience
2. If this
was not the case, then Jesus was teaching a false doctrine (Deuteronomy
18:15-22).
ii.
Did
this come to pass?
1. It had its beginning in that
generation (Colossians 1:13; Revelation 1:9).
2. It had its building up in that
generation (Hebrews 12:28, cf. Isaiah 66:8; Ephesians 4:7-16).
3. And it was fully established in that
generation (Luke 21:29-32; Revelation 11:15, 12:10).
III.
“Eggus”
(eng-goos', G1451)
a. This term is used 30 times is the KJV
and is translated is nigh, near, at hand, and nigh to – among others.
b. It means “to be brought near,
imminent, and soon to happen.”
c. It is translated “at hand” 10 times
in the KJV.
i.
In
relation to the betrayal and arrest of Jesus: Matthew 26:18
ii.
In
relation to a feast day or event.
1. John 2:13
2. John 7:2
3. John 11:55
iii.
In
relation to location: John 19:42
iv.
In
relation to the destruction of Jerusalem
1. Luke 21:30-31
2. Philippians 4:5
3. Revelation 1:3
4. Revelation 22:10
d. To better understand this term we can
notice the language used in Matthew 26:18.
i.
Read
Matthew
26:18
1. Jesus' “time” was at hand.
2. Compare John 2:4, 7:6-8, 30 and 8:20.
3. See also John 16:32
ii.
Did
this come to pass?
1. Jesus' arrest: Matthew 26:46ff
2. Jesus' sacrifice: Matthew 27:31ff
4. Jesus' ascension: Mark 16:19
IV.
Enistemi
(en-is'-tay-mee, G1764)
a. This term is use 7 times in the KJV
and is translated present, at hand, and shall come.
b. It means “to place in or among, to be
upon, close, present”
c. It is translated “at hand” once in
the KJV in relation to the coming of the Lord (II Thessalonians 2:2).
i.
Unfortunately,
this passage has been misunderstood in times past due to the KJV. The NKJV has
it more appropriately translated “had come.”
ii.
The
NKJV rendering of enistemi is more appropriate due to the tensions at the time
concerning Hymenaeus and Philetus.
iii.
Read
II Timothy 2:17-18
V.
Ephistemi (ef-is'-tay-mee, G2186)
a. This
term is used 21 times in the KJV and is translated came upon, coming, stood by,
and at hand – among others.
b. It
means “to place at, upon, or stand by.”
c. It is translated “at hand” once in
the KJV in relation to the death of Paul (II Timothy 4:6).
VI.
Conclusion:
We are not waiting on a kingdom any longer! We can be a part of it today by
obeying the gospel (Jon 3:1ff).
