Brief Overview of αὔριον (G839: aurion)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: aurion

Root Words: The word αὔριον (aurion) is a straightforward Greek adverb meaning “tomorrow” or “the next day.” It does not have a complex root structure, but it is derived from the basic Greek temporal concept of future time.

Primary Meanings:

• Tomorrow: This is the primary meaning of αὔριον, referring specifically to the day after the current one.
• The Next Day: In a broader sense, αὔριον can also denote any upcoming day in the near future, often within the context of planning or anticipation.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: According to BDAG, αὔριον is defined as “tomorrow,” a term used to indicate the day immediately following today. It is frequently used in contexts of planning, promises, or prophecies that are expected to be fulfilled on the next day. BDAG also highlights its use in both literal and figurative senses, where “tomorrow” can imply a near-future event or expectation.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Lexicon also defines αὔριον as “tomorrow” or “the next day.” Thayer’s notes that the word is often used in the New Testament to express a sense of immediacy or urgency about an event that will occur soon, often the day after the present.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary emphasizes the word’s role in indicating time, specifically pointing out that αὔριον is used to express certainty about what will happen the following day, particularly in the teachings of Jesus where tomorrow is mentioned in discussions of worry or preparation.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon provides a broad definition, aligning with its use as “tomorrow” or “the next day” in classical Greek literature. It is a common adverb used to denote any immediate future time, often in contexts of planning or forewarning.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s lists αὔριον as meaning “tomorrow” or “the morrow.” It is used to describe events or actions that are expected to take place on the following day, often found in the New Testament when referring to upcoming events or warnings.

Bible Verses:

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• Matthew 6:34 (KJV): “Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”
• In this verse, αὔριον is translated as “the morrow,” underscoring the idea of not worrying about the future.
• James 4:14 (KJV): “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”
• Here, αὔριον is used to emphasize the uncertainty of the future.

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Homer: In The Iliad, Homer uses αὔριον to refer to the plans and battles expected to occur on the following day, often in the context of preparing warriors for the next phase of the conflict.
• Herodotus: In Histories, Herodotus frequently employs αὔριον to discuss the outcomes and events that are planned or anticipated for the next day, particularly in his narratives of military campaigns.
• Xenophon: In Anabasis, Xenophon uses αὔριον to indicate the next day’s marches and activities, emphasizing the logistical and strategic planning necessary for his army’s survival.

4. Summary:

αὔριον (aurion) is an adverb meaning “tomorrow” or “the next day.” It is used both in the New Testament and in classical Greek literature to refer to events or actions expected to occur in the immediate future. BDAG and other lexicons consistently define it as “tomorrow,” with slight variations in emphasis on immediacy or certainty. In the New Testament, αὔριον often appears in teachings about the future, especially in relation to worry or planning. Its use in classical literature, including works by Homer, Herodotus, and Xenophon, further underscores its role in discussing future events, particularly those involving preparation and anticipation. Understanding αὔριον helps provide insight into how the concept of “tomorrow” is framed both in the Bible and in broader Greek literature.