G1773
Introduction
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Understanding Greek words is vital in Biblical studies to unlock the depth and nuances of scripture. The Greek word ἔννυχος (énnychos) is particularly significant because it relates to nighttime activities or occurrences. Its meaning centers around being “by night” or something that pertains to the night. This term provides important context in New Testament passages that involve actions or events occurring at night, offering insights into ancient Greek culture’s view of nighttime as a period of mystery, reflection, and sometimes danger.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: ἔννυχος (énnychos) [EN-ny-khos]
- Etymology Root Words and Meanings: Derived from ἐν (en, “in” or “during”) + νύξ (nyx, “night”), which together mean “pertaining to the night” or “by night.”
- Part of Speech: Adjective. It follows the third declension pattern in Greek grammar.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
- By night — occurring during the nighttime.
- Nocturnal — relating to or happening at night.
- Nighttime — descriptive of something that pertains to or takes place at night.
Similar Words: νυκτερινός (nykterinós) [nyk-te-ri-NOS] also means “nocturnal” or “of the night,” but it is often used to describe specific creatures, habits, or activities that are inherently associated with the night. νυξ (nyx) [NYX] simply means “night,” serving as a noun rather than an adjective. ἔννυχος specifically modifies a noun to indicate that it is “by night” or “of the night.”
Further Insights: ἔννυχος is an adjective that follows the third declension, which is less common than the first and second declensions in Greek. It can describe both masculine and feminine nouns and has unique forms for each case and number. Its use often indicates timing or context related to nighttime activities, and it is used descriptively to highlight events occurring after dark.
Declension of ἔννυχος
| Case | Singular (Masc./Fem.) | Singular (Neuter) | Plural (Masc./Fem.) | Plural (Neuter) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nominative | ἔννυχος | ἔννυχον | ἔννυχες | ἔννυχα |
| Genitive | ἔννυχος | ἔννυχος | ἔννυχων | ἔννυχων |
| Dative | ἔννυχῳ | ἔννυχῳ | ἔννυχσι(ν) | ἔννυχσι(ν) |
| Accusative | ἔννυχον | ἔννυχον | ἔννυχας | ἔννυχα |
| Vocative | ἔννυχος | ἔννυχον | ἔννυχες | ἔννυχα |
Lexicon Insights
BDAG: ἔννυχος is defined as “by night” or “pertaining to the night.” The lexicon emphasizes its use in contexts where activities, events, or behaviors occur during nighttime, often highlighting the nature of those events.
Thayers: Thayer’s lexicon describes ἔννυχος as “of the night” or “nocturnal.” It points out the term’s relevance in describing occurrences that happen at night, with implications of secrecy, contemplation, or even danger.
Vines: Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words defines ἔννυχος as “by night” or “nighttime-related,” stressing its importance in differentiating between actions or events that occur during the day versus those that occur after dark.
LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Greek-English Lexicon provides examples of ἔννυχος in classical Greek literature, noting its application in various literary and historical texts to indicate nighttime events. It highlights how the term can imply a range of meanings from the mundane to the mystical.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s concordance defines ἔννυχος as “by night” or “nightly.” The concordance underscores its use in contexts where specific timing is essential, particularly in narratives that focus on nighttime occurrences.
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | Republic | “The guard was instructed to patrol by night (ἔννυχος) to ensure no disturbances.” |
| Herodotus | Histories | “The attack was planned to take place by night (ἔννυχος) when the city would be least prepared.” |
| Euripides | Bacchae | “The rites were to be performed in secret, under the cover of night (ἔννυχος).” |
| Septuagint | Psalm 91:5 | “Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night (ἔννυχος) nor for the arrow that flieth by day.” |
| Aristophanes | Frogs | “He would often wander the streets by night (ἔννυχος) in search of inspiration.” |
Summary of ἔννυχος (G1773: énnychos)
ἔννυχος (énnychos) is a Greek adjective that means “by night,” “nocturnal,” or “pertaining to the night.” It is used to describe events, activities, or behaviors that occur during the nighttime. This word is important in Biblical contexts to provide details about timing, setting, and atmosphere, and it often carries connotations of secrecy, mystery, or contemplation. In classical Greek literature and the Septuagint, ἔννυχος is used to convey the significance of nighttime events, both in mundane and profound senses.
Did You Know?
In ancient Greek culture, the night (νύξ) was often associated with mystery, fear, and spiritual activities. The use of the word ἔννυχος in texts often carried implications beyond mere timekeeping; it could imply a sense of foreboding, secrecy, or divine encounter. In both literature and historical accounts, nighttime was considered a period when the ordinary rules of society could be bent or broken, making ἔννυχος a key term in understanding such narratives.