Introduction

Understanding Greek words is vital for Biblical studies as it unveils deeper meanings embedded within the New Testament text. The Greek word ἡμέρα (hēmera), meaning “day,” is particularly significant for interpreting passages related to time, events, and eschatology. In ancient Greek culture, as well as in Biblical contexts, the concept of a “day” often carried profound theological and philosophical implications, ranging from a literal 24-hour period to metaphorical expressions of divine judgment or salvation.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἡμέρα (hēmera), pronounced [hay-MER-ah].
• Etymology: Derived from the Proto-Indo-European root hem-, meaning “to sit,” which evolved into the concept of a “settled” or “appointed time.”
• Part of Speech: Noun; feminine, first declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Day: A 24-hour period from sunrise to sunset.
• Daytime: The period when the sun is up, as opposed to nighttime.
• Age/Era: Used metaphorically to denote a particular period marked by significant events or characteristics, such as “the day of the Lord.”
• Opportunity/Time: In some contexts, “day” can signify an opportune moment or a time frame for a specific action.

Similar Words: νύξ (nyx), pronounced [nyks], meaning “night.” While ἡμέρα (hēmera) refers to daylight or a period marked by light and activity, νύξ (nyx) denotes darkness and rest. These terms often appear in contrast to one another in both Biblical and classical texts to highlight thematic elements of light versus darkness, good versus evil, or revelation versus mystery.

Further Insights: ἡμέρα (hēmera) is a first declension noun in Greek. It follows the standard declension pattern for feminine nouns. Here is the full declension chart for ἡμέρα (hēmera):

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: The BDAG lexicon explains ἡμέρα (hēmera) as primarily referring to a “day” in a literal sense but extends to figurative meanings such as a “period of time,” “judgment day,” or a “specific era,” depending on the context.

Thayers: Thayer’s Lexicon describes ἡμέρα (hēmera) as a noun meaning “day” but emphasizes its use in various idiomatic expressions in the New Testament. It often denotes time periods related to prophecy, divine actions, or moral decisions.

Vines: Vine’s Expository Dictionary categorizes ἡμέρα (hēmera) under “Times and Seasons,” emphasizing its theological applications, such as “the Day of the Lord,” which is a critical concept in eschatology.

LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon notes that ἡμέρα (hēmera) is commonly used in classical Greek to denote “day” but also highlights its metaphorical usage for denoting times of prosperity, life stages, or moments of divine intervention.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s Concordance identifies ἡμέρα (hēmera) as Strong’s G2250 and details its occurrences in the New Testament, where it can refer to both literal and symbolic “days,” such as “the day of salvation” or “the last days.”

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 6:34: “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day (ἡμέρα) has enough trouble of its own.”
• Romans 13:12: “The night is almost gone, and the day (ἡμέρα) is near. Therefore let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.”
• 1 Thessalonians 5:2: “For you yourselves know full well that the day (ἡμέρα) of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἡμέρα (G2250: hēmera)

The Greek word ἡμέρα (hēmera) is a versatile noun with meanings ranging from a literal “day” to more abstract concepts like “time,” “era,” or “opportunity.” In the New Testament, it is often employed to denote significant theological events such as the “day of judgment” or the “day of salvation,” underscoring its importance for both eschatological studies and practical Christian living. In classical literature, ἡμέρα (hēmera) also conveys both literal and metaphorical meanings, reflecting ancient Greek culture’s emphasis on time, fate, and divine intervention.

Did You Know?

• The word ἡμέρα (hēmera) is used over 300 times in the New Testament, highlighting its importance in various theological contexts.
• The term is often associated with eschatological themes in both the Old and New Testaments, such as “the Day of the Lord” in prophetic literature.
• ἡμέρα (hēmera) can be used idiomatically to represent an age or a significant period, such as “the days of Elijah,” reflecting a distinct time marked by divine activity or moral testing.

Understanding ἡμέρα (hēmera) deepens our appreciation of how time and divine action are interconnected themes throughout Scripture.