from δύνω; the sun-set, i.e. (by implication) the western region:--west.
Transliteration:dysmḗ
Pronunciation:doos-may'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term δυσμή (dysmḗ), Strong's number `{{G1424}}`, is derived from the verb δύνω (dyno) `{{G1416}}`, which means "to sink" or "to set," particularly in reference to celestial bodies. Its primary and most literal meaning is "sunset." By natural extension and implication, it came to signify the geographical direction where the sun sets, namely, "the west" or "the western region." Thus, its semantic range is primarily directional, denoting one of the four cardinal points, specifically the one opposite the sunrise.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term δυσμή appears four times in the New Testament, consistently referring to the western direction, often in conjunction with its antithesis, "east" (ἀνατολή `{{G395}}`).
* **Universal Ingathering:** In [[Matthew 8:11]] and [[Luke 13:29]], Jesus declares, "Many will come from the east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven." Here, "east and west" (ἀπὸ ἀνατολῶν καὶ δυσμῶν) functions as a merism, signifying people from all over the world, from every conceivable direction. This emphasizes the universal scope of the Kingdom of God, transcending ethnic, geographical, and social boundaries, gathering Gentiles alongside Jews.
* **The Son of Man's Manifestation:** [[Matthew 24:27]] states, "For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be." Again, the pairing of "east and west" (ἀπὸ ἀνατολῶν καὶ δυσμῶν) is crucial. It underscores the unmistakable, sudden, and comprehensive nature of Christ's second advent. Just as lightning illuminates the entire sky from horizon to horizon, so too will the Son of Man's return be universally visible and undeniable, leaving no corner of the world untouched or unaware.
* **New Jerusalem's Design:** In the apocalyptic vision of the New Jerusalem in [[Revelation 21:13]], the city is described as having twelve gates, "on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates" (καὶ ἀπὸ δυσμῶν πύλαι τρεῖς). This usage is purely descriptive, contributing to the image of the New Jerusalem as a perfectly symmetrical, quadrangular city. The mention of gates facing all cardinal directions implies accessibility from every part of the redeemed creation, reinforcing the idea of a welcoming and universally accessible divine dwelling place.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is ἀνατολή (anatole) `{{G395}}`, "east" or "sunrise," which almost invariably accompanies δυσμή `{{G1424}}` in the New Testament to denote the full geographical expanse. The root verb δύνω (dyno) `{{G1416}}`, "to sink" or "to set," provides the etymological foundation for δυσμή. Conceptually, δυσμή is part of a broader set of terms indicating cardinal directions, such as βορρᾶς (borras) `{{G992}}` for "north" and νότος (notos) `{{G3575}}` for "south." Theologically, its usage connects to concepts of universality, eschatology, divine gathering, and cosmic scope.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of δυσμή `{{G1424}}` is primarily derived from its contextual pairings and the broader biblical narrative.
* **Universality of God's Redemptive Plan:** The most profound theological implication arises from its use in [[Matthew 8:11]] and [[Luke 13:29]]. The gathering of people "from the east and west" into the Kingdom of God powerfully articulates the inclusive and global nature of salvation. It signifies that God's grace and invitation extend beyond the boundaries of Israel to all nations, fulfilling the Abrahamic covenant that "all the families of the earth shall be blessed" ([[Genesis 12:3]]). This highlights God's impartiality and the breaking down of barriers between Jew and Gentile.
* **Cosmic Scope of Christ's Return:** In [[Matthew 24:27]], the "west" contributes to the imagery of Christ's second coming as an event of cosmic proportion and undeniable visibility. It will not be a localized or secret event, but one witnessed and experienced by all, from one end of the earth to the other. This emphasizes the sovereignty and power of the returning Christ, whose advent will definitively mark the culmination of history.
* **Divine Order and Accessibility in the New Creation:** In the description of the New Jerusalem in [[Revelation 21:13]], the presence of gates on the west (along with other directions) contributes to the portrayal of a divinely ordered, perfect, and accessible city. It symbolizes the dwelling place of God with humanity, open to all who are redeemed, regardless of their earthly origin. This imagery speaks to the completeness and comprehensiveness of God's restored creation.
### Summary
The Greek term δυσμή (dysmḗ) `{{G1424}}` fundamentally denotes "sunset" and, by extension, the "western direction." In the New Testament, it consistently functions as a geographical indicator, almost always appearing in conjunction with "east" (ἀνατολή `{{G395}}`) to signify the full breadth of the world. Theologically, δυσμή underscores the universal scope of God's redemptive plan, inviting people from all nations into His Kingdom. It also highlights the global and unmistakable nature of Christ's second coming and contributes to the imagery of the New Jerusalem as a perfectly ordered and universally accessible divine dwelling. It is a simple directional term imbued with profound theological implications regarding God's comprehensive sovereignty and grace.
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