### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective δευτεραῖος (deuteraîos, `{{G1206}}`) is derived from δεύτερος (deuteros, `{{G1208}}`), meaning "second." Its core semantic range is therefore related to the concept of "secondness" or being "secondary." However, its specialized usage in the New Testament is temporal, specifically denoting "on the second day" or "the next day" following a primary event or day. It functions as an adjective, often implicitly modifying "day," to indicate a precise chronological sequence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
δευτεραῖος (deuteraîos, `{{G1206}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts:
* [[Acts 28:13]]: "And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the *next day* to Puteoli."
In this sole occurrence, the term precisely marks the second day of a particular leg of Paul's journey to Rome. After arriving at Rhegium, Paul and his companions experienced a favorable south wind "after one day," which enabled them to reach Puteoli "the next day" (δευτεραῖος). The context is a detailed travel narrative, characteristic of Luke's historical methodology. The inclusion of such a specific temporal detail underscores the factual and chronological precision with which Luke records the events of the early church and the apostolic missions. It provides an exact point in the sequence of their voyage, demonstrating the careful observation and reporting of the author.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **δεύτερος (deuteros, `{{G1208}}`):** This is the direct root from which δευτεραῖος is formed. It means "second" and is fundamental to understanding the numerical and sequential aspect of δευτεραῖος.
* **Temporal Adjectives and Adverbs:** δευτεραῖος belongs to a class of words that denote time and sequence. Other related concepts include πρῶτος (prōtos, `{{G4413}}`, "first"), τρίτος (tritos, `{{G5154}}`, "third"), σήμερον (sēmeron, `{{G4594}}`, "today"), and αὔριον (aurion, `{{G839}}`, "tomorrow"). These terms collectively contribute to the chronological framework of biblical narratives.
* **Travel Narratives:** As it occurs within a travel account in Acts, δευτεραῖος is related to other terms describing movement, arrival, and departure, which are common in the book and serve to ground the theological message in historical reality.
### Theological Significance
While δευτεραῖος (deuteraîos, `{{G1206}}`) does not inherently carry profound theological meaning, its singular appearance in Acts is significant within the broader theological framework of Luke's writings. Luke, as a meticulous historian, often provides precise details regarding time, place, and sequence. The inclusion of such a specific temporal marker, "on the second day," contributes to the historical credibility and verisimilitude of his narrative. This precision reinforces the understanding that the events of early Christianity, including Paul's journeys, were real historical occurrences, not mythical tales. Furthermore, the specific mention of the south wind blowing "after one day" enabling them to reach Puteoli "the next day" can be subtly interpreted as an instance of divine providence guiding the journey. God's orchestration of natural elements to facilitate the progress of the gospel, even in seemingly minor details, underscores His sovereign hand in the spread of the early church. Thus, this seemingly simple temporal adverb implicitly affirms the reliability of the biblical record and the providential care of God in the lives of His servants.
### Summary
δευτεραῖος (deuteraîos, `{{G1206}}`) is a Greek adjective derived from δεύτερος (deuteros, `{{G1208}}`), meaning "second." Its specific usage in the New Testament, uniquely found in [[Acts 28:13]], denotes "on the second day" or "the next day." In this context, it functions as a precise temporal marker within Luke's detailed historical account of Paul's voyage to Rome. While not a word with intrinsic theological weight, its presence highlights the meticulousness and historical accuracy of Luke's narrative, reinforcing the reliability of the biblical record. It also subtly points to the providential timing and divine guidance evident in the unfolding of events that facilitated the advancement of the gospel.
TRV