Greek word · Strong's G2186

ἐφίστημι

ephístēmi · verb · “to be at hand, urgent”

In a sentence

Ephistēmi means to stand by, be present, or come upon — often suddenly. Used of angels appearing and of moments suddenly upon us.

Ephistēmi pictures someone standing right next to you, often arriving abruptly. It is the verb of the angel «standing by» the shepherds, and of Paul saying «the time of my departure has come» — it is upon me.

Paul tells Timothy to «preach the word; be ready in season and out of season» — ephistēmi for «be ready,» an attentive standing-by. The verb captures the watchfulness Christians keep in light of Christ's nearness.

Strong's reference

Definition: to stand upon, i.e. be present (in various applications, friendly or otherwise, usually literal);

KJV usage: --assault, come (in, to, unto, upon), be at hand (instant), present, stand (before, by, over)

Reference gloss from Strong's Concordance (1890, public domain).

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

Luke 2:9 “Just then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.” 2 Timothy 4:2 “Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage with every form of patient instruction.”

Original BibleDawn word study. Original-language data and the public-domain Strong's (1890) gloss are referenced; see sources.