Brief Overview of πρωΐα (Strong’s G4405: prōia)

Strong’s G4405: A feminine noun derived from πρωΐ (early), referring specifically to the morning time or dawn. Used in the New Testament to denote early morning activities, particularly in relation to significant spiritual events and daily patterns of life in the ancient world.

U- Unveiling the Word

The term πρωΐα represents more than just a temporal marker; it embodies the cultural and spiritual significance of morning in biblical times. As a substantive form of πρωΐ, it carries deeper connotations of new beginnings and God’s faithfulness. In the New Testament, πρωΐα often appears in narratives of significant spiritual encounters, particularly in resurrection accounts. The early church recognized morning as a sacred time, drawing on both Jewish traditions of morning prayers and the symbolism of Christ’s resurrection. This understanding influenced the development of Christian liturgical practices, with morning prayer services (matins) becoming a cornerstone of daily worship. Today, πρωΐα continues to remind believers of God’s renewed mercies each morning and the importance of beginning each day in communion with Him.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πρωΐα, prōia, /pro-ee-ah/
• Detailed pronunciation: PROH-ee-ah (emphasis on ‘PROH’, with ‘ah’ as in father)
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine)

Etymology:

• Root: πρωΐ (prōi) – “early”
• Suffix: -α (feminine ending)
• Ultimate origin from πρό (pro) – “before”

D – Defining Meanings

• Morning time
• Dawn
• Early part of the day

For compound words: Not applicable as πρωΐα is not a compound word, but rather a nominalized form of the adverb πρωΐ with a feminine ending

Translation Options:

• “Morning” – Most common and natural in English
• “Early morning” – More precise when emphasizing timing
• “Dawn” – Appropriate when emphasizing the beginning of daylight

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πρωΐ (prōi) /pro-ee/ – “early” (adverbial form) – See G4404
• ὄρθρος (orthros) /or-thros/ – “daybreak” – See G3722
• ἡμέρα (hēmera) /hay-mer-ah/ – “day” – See G2250

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a feminine noun of the first declension, πρωΐα exhibits the following morphological features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular and Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First

Examples of morphological changes:

• Nominative: ἡ πρωΐα (the morning)
• Genitive: τῆς πρωΐας (of the morning)
• Dative: τῇ πρωΐᾳ (in/at the morning)
• Accusative: τὴν πρωΐαν (the morning)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG defines πρωΐα as “morning,” specifically the early morning hours. Thayer’s emphasizes its temporal aspect and relationship to the fourth watch. LSJ notes its use in both literary and documentary texts. Vine’s connects it to the adverbial form πρωΐ and highlights its use in resurrection narratives. Strong’s emphasizes its feminine form and temporal significance. Moulton and Milligan document its common usage in papyri for dating documents and describing daily activities. LEH notes its frequent appearance in the Septuagint for morning sacrifices and prayers.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 21:18 “Now in the morning [πρωΐα] as he returned into the city, he hungered.”

Additional References:
Matthew 27:1, Matthew 28:1, John 18:28, John 21:4

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πρωΐα carries profound significance in biblical narratives, particularly in its connection to Christ’s resurrection. It reminds us that God’s mercies are new every morning and that darkness gives way to light. Just as the women discovered the empty tomb in the πρωΐα, we too can encounter the risen Christ in our daily lives. This word encourages believers to seek God at the start of each day, remembering that every morning brings fresh opportunities to experience His grace and share His good news.

D – Did You Know?

1. πρωΐα appears prominently in resurrection narratives, marking the discovery of the empty tomb.
2. The word influenced the development of Christian morning prayer traditions (matins).
3. In ancient Mediterranean culture, πρωΐα marked the beginning of the workday and legal proceedings.

Strong’s G4405: A feminine noun derived from πρωΐ (early), referring specifically to the morning time or dawn. Used in the New Testament to denote early morning activities, particularly in relation to significant spiritual events and daily patterns of life in the ancient world.

Part of speech: Noun (feminine)

Tags: morning, dawn, early morning, time, daily routine, resurrection, worship, prayer time, new beginnings, feminine nouns, temporal markers, Jewish customs