APOKARADOKIA (Eagerly Awaiting)

WRITTEN BY DREW MATZ

What is the Word?

Most people, no matter where they are in life, are struck at some point with the sense that things are not as they should be. The world, as scripture says, cries out to be redeemed. It groans in the pain of death and decay. This is most certainly true, but for Christians, there is a light in this darkness, a light which has already sparked a flame which will never be extinguished as we await for the whole universe to light ablaze with this divinity. The word the Bible uses for this eager expectation of divine redemption is apokaradokía.

How does the Bible use this word?

The word is a bit of a mouthful, but there is a reason. This is because it is a compound word – the combination of 3 different words: apo (away from), kara (head), and dokeo (thinking). To literally translate this word would be to say “with head outstretched,” as if to look with eager anticipation, always ready and aware. 

Where in the Bible?

The letter to the Romans contains a very prominent use of this noun in chapter 8:

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing (ἀποκαραδοκία) for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.

-Romans 8:18-21

Note that it is not merely God’s people who are eagerly awaiting this coming redemption – but all of creation anticipates the revealing of the face of God. All created things look forward to that day where creation will be restored and death will be set back.

Longing for Redemption

As our society is pushed further into political and social turmoil, it is important not to lose sight of the only true answer to our woes as humans. This will not be some political messiah, but a king, whose kingdom is not of this world – but who has promised to enjoin his kingdom to this world to bring it back from death. Let us therefore always be eagerly awaiting, shouting “Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!”