ΔΕΥΤΕΡΑ ΠΑΡΟΥΣΙΑ (deftera_parousia) — Lexarithmos 1677 · Etymology, Meanings

Definition

The "Second Coming" (δευτέρα παρουσία, ἡ) is a theological term referring to the anticipated return of Jesus Christ to earth, as described in the New Testament. It is clearly distinguished from His "first coming," i.e., His incarnation, birth, and public ministry. While the first coming was characterized by humility and sacrifice, the Second Coming will be a manifestation of glory, power, and judgment.

The concept of the Second Coming is a central doctrine of Christian faith, influencing eschatology, ethics, and the hope of believers. It is inextricably linked to the resurrection of the dead, the final judgment, and the establishment of God's eternal Kingdom. The precise nature and timing of this event remain subjects of interpretive debate within Christian traditions.

The term "παρουσία" (parousia) in Hellenistic and Koine Greek means "presence, appearance, arrival" and was often used for the official visit of a dignitary or king. In the New Testament context, the "parousia" of Christ acquires a unique, theological dimension, signifying His definitive and complete manifestation as Lord and Judge.

Etymology

DEUTERA PAROUSIA ← δεύτερος (from δύο) + παρουσία (from πάρεμι ← παρά + εἰμί)

The phrase "Δευτέρα Παρουσία" is a compound, consisting of the adjective "δεύτερος" and the noun "παρουσία." "Δεύτερος" derives from the numeral "δύο" (two), indicating sequence or repetition. "Παρουσία" originates from the verb "πάρειμι," meaning "to be present, to be near." "Πάρειμι" in turn is composed of the preposition "παρά" ("beside, near") and the verb "εἰμί" ("to be, to exist"), an Ancient Greek root belonging to the oldest stratum of the language that expresses being and existence. Thus, "παρουσία" denotes the state of being present or the act of arrival.

From the root of "δύο" derive words such as "δύναμις" (power, originally 'two forces'), "δυάς" (a pair), "δευτερεύω" (to be second). From the root of "εἰμί" and "πάρειμι" arise many words related to existence and presence, such as "οὐσία" (essence, being), "ἀπουσία" (absence), "ἐξουσία" (authority, the right to be present or act), "συνουσία" (communion, co-existence). These words highlight the rich semantic field of presence and existence within the Greek language.

Main Meanings

The Glorious Return of Christ — The primary theological meaning: the anticipated second advent of Jesus Christ to earth, following His ascension, for the final judgment and the restoration of all things.
The Final Judgment — Directly associated with the judgment of the living and the dead, where Christ will judge humanity according to their deeds.
The Establishment of God's Kingdom — The Second Coming marks the definitive establishment of God's Kingdom on earth, with the eradication of evil and the restoration of righteousness.
Eschatological Hope — It serves as a source of hope and expectation for believers, who await ultimate redemption and union with Christ.
Warning for Repentance — It also functions as a warning regarding the necessity of repentance and spiritual readiness, as the time of His coming is unknown.
Revelation of Divine Glory — In contrast to the humble first advent, the Second Coming will be a full revelation of Christ's divine glory and power.

Word Family

es- / ousia- (root of the verb εἰμί, "to be, to exist")

The root es- (from which εἰμί derives) is one of the oldest and most fundamental roots in the Greek language, expressing the concept of existence, being, and presence. From this root, a rich family of words develops, describing the state of existing, being present, or possessing essence. The significance of presence, which is central to the "Second Coming," is highlighted through its derivatives, which cover both the physical and metaphysical dimensions of existence.

παρουσία ἡ · noun · lex. 862

The state of being present, arrival, appearance. In classical Greek, it often refers to the official visit of a person. In the New Testament, it acquires the eschatological meaning of Christ's advent. (Cf. 1 Thess. 2:19).

οὐσία ἡ · noun · lex. 681

Existence, essence, being. Derived from the verb "εἰμί." In philosophy (Plato, Aristotle), it denotes the true nature or substance of a thing. In theology, it refers to the essence of God or the persons of the Holy Trinity.

ἀπουσία ἡ · noun · lex. 762

The state of not being present, absence. The opposite of presence, emphasizing the significance of physical or spiritual absence. (Cf. Phil. 2:12).

πάρειμι verb · lex. 236

To be present, to be near, to have arrived. The verb from which the noun "παρουσία" is derived. In classical usage, it denotes arrival or readiness. In the New Testament, it is used for the coming of the Lord.

παρών participle · lex. 1031

One who is present, the present one. The participle of the verb "πάρειμι." Used to denote someone located at a specific place or time. (Cf. Acts 10:33).

ἔσομαι verb · lex. 326

I will be, I will exist. The future tense of the verb "εἰμί." It expresses future existence or state, highlighting the timeless nature of being. (Cf. Matt. 28:20).

εἶναι verb · lex. 76

To be, existence. The infinitive of the verb "εἰμί." A fundamental form expressing the concept of being, existence, and identity. (Cf. John 1:1).

ἐξουσία ἡ · noun · lex. 746

Authority, right, power. Derived from "ἔξεστι" (it is possible, it is permitted) and connected to the ability to be present and to act. In the New Testament, it often refers to the authority of Christ. (Cf. Matt. 28:18).

Philosophical Journey

The concept of the Second Coming has a long and rich history, evolving from Old Testament prophecies to modern theological interpretations.

PRE-CHRISTIAN ERA

Old Testament Prophecies

Although the term itself is absent, the idea of a future divine intervention and judgment, as well as the advent of a Messiah, is prefigured in prophetic books such as Daniel (Dan. 7:13-14) and Isaiah.

1ST CENTURY CE

Teachings of Jesus

Jesus Himself refers to His return and the final judgment, particularly in the Olivet Discourse (Matt. 24-25), using parables and clear statements about His coming with glory.

1ST CENTURY CE

Apostolic Teaching

The Apostles, especially Paul, further develop the theology of the Second Coming. In the Thessalonian epistles (1 Thess. 4:16-17, 2 Thess. 1:7-10), he describes in detail the Lord's advent and accompanying events.

2ND-5TH CENTURIES CE

Patristic Era

Church Fathers extensively address eschatology, interpreting biblical references and shaping doctrine. Various schools of thought emerge regarding the timing and manner of the Parousia.

MEDIEVAL PERIOD

Theology and Apocalyptic Literature

The Second Coming remains a central theme, often linked to fears of the end of the world and judgment. Popular piety and art frequently depict scenes of the final judgment.

16TH CENTURY ONWARDS

Reformation and Modern Era

The Reformation introduces new interpretations, while in the modern era, diverse approaches develop, ranging from literal fundamentalism to symbolic and existential interpretations of the Parousia.

In Ancient Texts

Three of the most significant New Testament passages referring to the Second Coming:

«καὶ τότε ὄψονται τὸν Υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἐρχόμενον ἐπὶ τῶν νεφελῶν τοῦ οὐρανοῦ μετὰ δυνάμεως καὶ δόξης πολλῆς.»

And then they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

Gospel according to Matthew 24:30

«ὅτι αὐτὸς ὁ Κύριος ἐν κελεύσματι, ἐν φωνῇ ἀρχαγγέλου καὶ ἐν σάλπιγγι Θεοῦ καταβήσεται ἀπ’ οὐρανοῦ, καὶ οἱ νεκροὶ ἐν Χριστῷ ἀναστήσονται πρῶτον, ἔπειτα ἡμεῖς οἱ ζῶντες οἱ περιλειπόμενοι ἅμα σὺν αὐτοῖς ἁρπαγησόμεθα ἐν νεφέλαις εἰς ἀπάντησιν τοῦ Κυρίου εἰς ἀέρα· καὶ οὕτω πάντοτε σὺν Κυρίῳ ἐσόμεθα.»

For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of a trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 4:16-17

«οὗτος ὁ Ἰησοῦς ὁ ἀναληφθεὶς ἀφ’ ὑμῶν εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν οὕτως ἐλεύσεται ὃν τρόπον ἐθεάσασθε αὐτὸν πορευόμενον εἰς τὸν οὐρανόν.»

This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.

Acts of the Apostles 1:11

Lexarithmic Analysis

The lexarithmos of the word ΔΕΥΤΕΡΑ ΠΑΡΟΥΣΙΑ is 1677, from the sum of its letter values:

Δ = 4

Delta

Ε = 5

Epsilon

Υ = 400

Upsilon

Τ = 300

Tau

Ε = 5

Epsilon

Ρ = 100

Rho

Α = 1

Alpha

= 0

Π = 80

Pi

Α = 1

Alpha

Ρ = 100

Rho

Ο = 70

Omicron

Υ = 400

Upsilon

Σ = 200

Sigma

Ι = 10

Iota

Α = 1

Alpha

= 1677

Total

4 + 5 + 400 + 300 + 5 + 100 + 1 + 0 + 80 + 1 + 100 + 70 + 400 + 200 + 10 + 1 = 1677

1677 decomposes into 1600 (hundreds) + 70 (tens) + 7 (units).

The 18 Methods

Applying the 18 traditional lexarithmic methods to the word ΔΕΥΤΕΡΑ ΠΑΡΟΥΣΙΑ:

Method	Result	Meaning
Isopsephy	1677	Base lexarithmos
Decade Numerology	3	1+6+7+7 = 21 → 2+1 = 3 — Triad, divine completeness, harmony, and fulfillment. It symbolizes the triune nature of God and the culmination of the divine plan.
Letter Count	16	14 letters — 1+4 = 5 — Pentad, the number of grace, divine favor, and human responsibility. It signifies the interaction between divine action and human response.
Cumulative	7/70/1600	Units 7 · Tens 70 · Hundreds 1600
Odd/Even	Odd	Masculine force
Left/Right Hand	Right	Divine (≥100)
Quotient	—	Comparative method
Notarikon	Δ-Ε-Υ-Τ-Ε-Ρ-Α Π-Α-Ρ-Ο-Υ-Σ-Ι-Α	As a compound phrase, its notarikon interpretation focuses on the essence of its components and its theological significance, emphasizing the final and definitive advent of the Lord.
Grammatical Groups	8V · 0A · 6C	8 vowels, 0 aspirates (in modern pronunciation), 6 consonants. The compound nature of the phrase is reflected in its numerical structure, with a balance between vowels denoting flow and consonants denoting stability.
Palindromes	No
Onomancy	—	Comparative
Sphere of Democritus	—	Divination with lunar day
Zodiacal Isopsephy	Mars ♂ / Capricorn ♑	1677 mod 7 = 4 · 1677 mod 12 = 9

Isopsephic Words (1677)

Words from the Liddell-Scott-Jones lexicon with the same lexarithmos (1677) but different roots, highlighting the numerical complexity of the Greek language:

αἱματοποτέω

The verb "αἱματοποτέω" ("to drink blood") carries an intense, almost ritualistic or violent connotation, which can be contrasted with the spiritual nature of the Second Coming, although the imagery of blood is central to Christian theology of sacrifice.

ἀποπληρωτής

The "ἀποπληρωτής" ("one who pays in full") connects to the concept of fulfillment and repayment, which is theologically significant for the Second Coming as the completion of the divine plan and the final judgment.

αὐτοτετράς

The "αὐτοτετράς" ("a perfect square, a tetrad") is a term with philosophical or mathematical significance, denoting completeness and perfection. This idea of completeness resonates with the consummation brought by the Second Coming.

κεφαλοτρύπανον

The "κεφαλοτρύπανον" ("head-trepan, drill") is a medical instrument, suggesting a surgical intervention. Its presence as an isopsephic word highlights the diversity of concepts that can be linked by the same number, offering a secular contrast to the theological concept.

προαπαλείφω

The verb "προαπαλείφω" ("to wipe out beforehand, to erase") can be linked to the idea of preparation for judgment or the blotting out of sins, a concept with eschatological implications.

σπουδαρχίδης

The "σπουδαρχίδης" ("a zealous office-seeker") describes an ambitious character, a human frailty that contrasts with the humility of Christ's first advent and the absolute authority of the Second Coming.

The LSJ lexicon contains a total of 38 words with lexarithmos 1677. For the full catalog and AI semantic filtering, see the interactive tool.

Sources & Bibliography

Liddell, H. G., Scott, R., Jones, H. S. — A Greek-English Lexicon, 9th ed. with revised supplement. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1996.
Bauer, W., Arndt, W. F., Gingrich, F. W., Danker, F. W. — A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature (BDAG), 3rd ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000.
Strong, J. — Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1990.
Kittel, G., Friedrich, G. — Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (TDNT). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1964-1976.
The Gospel According to Matthew, Chapters 24-25.
Paul's First Letter to the Thessalonians, Chapter 4.
The Acts of the Apostles, Chapter 1.
Danielou, J. — The Theology of Jewish Christianity. London: Darton, Longman & Todd, 1964.