The Second Coming Of Jesus Explained | Derek Prince
Understanding the “Coming of the Lord” – A Deeper Look at the Greek Word Parousia
In the Bible passage we read from 2 Peter, the Apostle Peter is speaking about a powerful theme: the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. I’d like to take a moment to focus on the original Greek word used in the New Testament to describe this “coming.” It’s a word that carries deep meaning—parousia—and understanding it helps us see the return of Jesus in a new and richer way.
I’ve studied Greek since I was ten years old and was once qualified to teach it at the university level. While that doesn’t make me infallible, it does give me confidence to share insights based on the original language of Scripture.
The Greek word parousia comes from the verb pareimi, which means “to be present.” So, at its core, parousia refers not just to the act of Jesus coming back, but to His presence among us. If Jesus has been away, His presence naturally implies that He has returned. But parousia goes beyond that—it’s not just a moment or event; it describes the state of affairs that begins once Jesus returns.