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Unveiling the Word

In Biblical studies, understanding the original Greek words used in the New Testament is essential to grasping the nuanced meanings and theological depth of the Scriptures. The Greek word μία (mia), which translates to “one” in English, is particularly significant as it frequently appears in the context of time, unity, and singularity. This term is relevant not only to New Testament interpretation but also to the broader Greek understanding of numbers and their symbolic meanings in ancient culture. It shows up in various New Testament passages, where it sometimes refers to the first day of the week or indicates singularity in terms of an action or entity.

Necessary Information

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Greek Word: μία (mia), pronounced MEE-ah.

Etymology: The word μία is derived from the feminine form of the Greek numeral εἷς (heis), meaning “one.” It functions primarily to indicate the feminine singular form of the number one.

Part of Speech: μία is a cardinal number (feminine form), and it can function both as an adjective and as a noun, depending on its grammatical context. It is often used in the New Testament to describe something that is singular or first in a sequence, such as the “first day of the week” (Mark 16:2).

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Defining Meanings

1. One (feminine singular): The primary meaning of μία is “one,” particularly in the feminine form. It can denote unity or singularity in relation to a noun of feminine gender, whether referring to people, days, or objects.

2. First: Often, μία is used to indicate the “first” of something, especially in temporal references, such as the “first day” of the week. This usage is found in Gospel accounts related to the resurrection of Jesus, as in Mark 16:2: “And very early in the morning the first (μία) day of the week.”

Exploring Similar Words

1. Εἷς (heis): Pronounced HAYS, meaning “one” in the masculine form. While μία is the feminine form of the word, εἷς is used when referring to masculine nouns.

2. ἕν (hen): Pronounced HEN, this is the neuter form of the same word. It is used to describe singular neuter nouns, as in “one thing” or “one entity.”

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Case, Number, Gender: μία is the feminine singular form of the cardinal number “one.” It declines based on case:

• Nominative singular: μία (mia) – used when functioning as the subject.

• Genitive singular: μιᾶς (mias) – used to show possession.

• Dative singular: μιᾷ (mia) – used to indicate the indirect object.

• Accusative singular: μίαν (mian) – used when functioning as the direct object.

Declension Class: μία follows the standard declension pattern for adjectives and numerals in the feminine form.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexicons such as BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, and others point out the importance of μία as a basic numeral, which also carries theological significance. In many New Testament contexts, it is used to denote the first day of the week, particularly in connection to Christ’s resurrection. Its usage suggests more than a simple numeral but carries an underlying implication of new beginnings and unity. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

1. Matthew 28:1: “Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first [μία] day of the week…”

2. Mark 16:2: “And very early on the first [μία] day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen.”

3. Luke 24:1: “But on the first [μία] day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb…”

Analyzing Classical Usage

In classical Greek, μία was frequently used to indicate the number “one” in a feminine context. Below are a few examples of its usage in classical works:

Author Name of Work Text with μία (mia)

Plato Republic “One [μία] day changes the fate of all things.”

Herodotus Histories “The battle was fought on the first [μία] day of the festival.”

Septuagint (LXX) Genesis “And there was evening, and there was morning, one [μία] day.”

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word μία is a fundamental term meaning “one” in its feminine form. Its presence in the New Testament, particularly in references to the first day of the week, carries both numerical and theological importance. By referring to events such as the resurrection of Jesus on the “first day” using μία, the text connects the word with new beginnings and significant historical moments. Understanding μία opens a deeper appreciation of how early Christians interpreted time and events surrounding the life of Christ.

Did You Know?

• The word μία is used to describe the first day of the week, which eventually became known as “the Lord’s Day” in Christian tradition.

• In Greek culture, the number “one” was often seen as a symbol of unity and origin, aligning with its use in biblical references to significant events like creation and resurrection.

• The feminine form μία is specifically used when referring to feminine nouns, demonstrating the importance of grammatical gender in ancient languages.