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Introduction
Understanding Greek words is crucial for Biblical studies as it allows us to grasp the nuanced meanings embedded within the New Testament text. The Greek word ἡμιώριον (hēmiōrion), which translates to “half an hour,” provides a unique insight into the way time was perceived and expressed in ancient Greek culture. This term is particularly significant in New Testament interpretation because it appears in contexts that describe precise divisions of time, helping readers understand the urgency or brevity of certain moments described in the scriptures.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἡμιώριον (hēmiōrion), pronounced [hay-mee-O-ree-on].
- Etymology: From ἡμι- (hēmi-), meaning “half,” and ὥρα (hōra), meaning “hour.” Together, the term literally means “half an hour.”
- Part of Speech: Noun, neuter; second declension.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Half an hour: Refers to a period of thirty minutes, exactly one-half of an hour.
Similar Words: ἡμίσεια (hēmiseia), pronounced [hay-mee-SAY-ah], is another Greek word related to “half.” However, ἡμίσεια is used more generally to indicate “one-half” of various entities, whereas ἡμιώριον (hēmiōrion) specifically refers to a temporal measurement—half an hour.
Further Insights: ἡμιώριον (hēmiōrion) is a neuter noun that follows the second declension pattern in Greek. Understanding its declension helps in recognizing its various forms within Greek texts, which is crucial for accurate translation and interpretation.
| Case / Number | Neuter (ἡμιώριον) |
|---|---|
| Nominative | ἡμιώριον |
| Genitive | ἡμιωρίου |
| Dative | ἡμιωρίῳ |
| Accusative | ἡμιώριον |
| Vocative | ἡμιώριον |
Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.
Lexicon Insights
BDAG: ἡμιώριον (hēmiōrion) is defined as “half an hour” and is noted for its precise use in conveying a short yet significant period of time. It appears primarily in apocalyptic literature to denote brief, impactful moments.
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Thayers: Thayer’s Lexicon mentions ἡμιώριον (hēmiōrion) in the context of timekeeping in the New Testament. It is highlighted as a rare word that appears only in specific contexts where exact time measurement is crucial for understanding the narrative.
Vines: Vine’s Expository Dictionary does not list ἡμιώριον (hēmiōrion) specifically, but it references the importance of terms that indicate specific durations, emphasizing how these enhance the urgency or intensity of certain events described in scripture.
LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon categorizes ἡμιώριον (hēmiōrion) as a term used in both secular and sacred texts to denote “half an hour.” It is considered important in contexts that require precise measurement, such as apocalyptic literature.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s Concordance identifies ἡμιώριον (hēmiōrion) as G2256 and translates it directly as “half an hour,” underscoring its use in key New Testament passages to denote a brief yet significant period.
Related Scripture References
- Revelation 8:1: “When He opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour (ἡμιώριον).”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Herodotus | Histories | “The soldiers marched for about half an hour (ἡμιώριον) before reaching the city walls.” |
| Philo | On the Creation | “There was a pause, lasting about half an hour (ἡμιώριον), during which all stood in silence.” |
| Septuagint | Exodus 15:16 (LXX) | “Fear and dread fell upon them; by the greatness of Your arm they stand still as a stone for half (ἡμιώριον) a day.” |
Summary of ἡμιώριον (G2256: hēmiōrion)
The Greek word ἡμιώριον (hēmiōrion) means “half an hour” and is a specific temporal term used in the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Revelation, to denote a short yet significant period. Its precise meaning is critical in understanding passages that deal with time-sensitive events, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the urgency or solemnity of certain moments. The word’s usage in both Biblical and classical texts highlights its importance in expressing exact durations, making it a valuable term in the study of ancient Greek language and culture.
Did You Know?
- ἡμιώριον (hēmiōrion) is one of the few Greek words in the New Testament that specifically measures time.
- The concept of “half an hour” was not just a casual term but had significant implications in apocalyptic literature, signifying a brief but weighty pause.
- In ancient Greek thought, time was often considered both linear and cyclical, and specific terms like ἡμιώριον were crucial for marking precise moments within these broader frameworks.
Understanding ἡμιώριον (hēmiōrion) provides crucial insight into both the temporal concepts of the ancient Greeks and the specific timeframes referenced in New Testament writings.
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