neuter of a compound of ἐν and νύξ; (adverbially) by night:--before day.
Transliteration:énnychon
Pronunciation:en'-noo-khon
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἔννυχον (énnychon), Strong's number `{{G1773}}`, is a neuter form derived from a compound of the preposition ἐν (en) `{{G1722}}`, meaning "in" or "within," and the noun νύξ (nyx) `{{G3571}}`, meaning "night." Etymologically, it signifies "in the night" or "during the night." Adverbially, as it is used in the New Testament, it denotes a specific temporal aspect of the nocturnal period. While broadly meaning "by night," its precise nuance, particularly in its sole biblical occurrence, points to the very late hours of the night, just "before day" or "while it was still dark," anticipating the dawn. This emphasizes an action or state occurring within the deepest part of the darkness, often just prior to the breaking of light.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἔννυχον (énnychon) appears only once in the New Testament, in the Gospel of Mark:
* **[[Mark 1:35]]**: "And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark (ἔννυχον λίαν πρωῒ), he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed."
* In this pivotal verse, the adverbial phrase "ἔννυχον λίαν πρωῒ" (énnychon lian prōi) is crucial. πρωῒ (prōi) `{{G4404}}` means "early in the morning," and λίαν (lian) `{{G3029}}` intensifies it to "very early." The addition of ἔννυχον specifies that this "very early" time was still within the hours of darkness, before the sun had risen. It paints a vivid picture of Jesus' profound dedication to prayer, seeking solitude and communion with the Father in the quiet, undisturbed hours before the demands of the new day began. The context immediately follows a day of extensive healing and teaching in Capernaum, highlighting Jesus' reliance on divine strength and guidance through prayer before embarking on further ministry.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary lexical root for ἔννυχον (énnychon) is νύξ (nyx) `{{G3571}}`, "night," which appears frequently in the New Testament, often contrasting with φῶς (phōs) `{{G5457}}`, "light," to signify spiritual darkness versus light. Other related temporal terms include:
* πρωῒ (prōi) `{{G4404}}`: "early in the morning," which is used in conjunction with ἔννυχον in [[Mark 1:35]] to emphasize the extreme earliness.
* ὄρθρος (orthros) `{{G3722}}`: "daybreak" or "dawn," representing the period immediately following the ἔννυχον hours.
* σκοτία (skotia) `{{G4653}}`: "darkness," often used metaphorically for spiritual ignorance or evil.
The concept of "night" in biblical thought can represent a time for rest, but also a period of spiritual vulnerability, ignorance, or the domain of evil. However, the specific usage of ἔννυχον (énnychon) in [[Mark 1:35]] transforms this period of darkness into a sacred space for intimate communion and spiritual preparation, anticipating the light of the new day and its challenges.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of ἔννυχον (énnychon) in [[Mark 1:35]] carries profound theological weight, primarily by illuminating the prayer life of Jesus.
* **Priority of Prayer:** Jesus' act of rising "while it was still dark" to pray demonstrates the absolute priority He placed on communion with His Father. Before engaging with the crowds, healing the sick, or teaching, He sought divine guidance and strength. This establishes a paradigm for believers: spiritual nourishment precedes external ministry.
* **Discipline and Sacrifice:** Praying at such an early, inconvenient hour underscores Jesus' spiritual discipline and willingness to sacrifice personal comfort for the sake of uninterrupted fellowship with God. It challenges believers to consider their own commitment to prayer, especially when it requires effort and self-denial.
* **Solitude and Intimacy:** The darkness and early hour provided a setting for solitude, free from the distractions of the crowds and the demands of ministry. This highlights the importance of finding quiet, undisturbed time for intimate communion with God.
* **Preparation for Ministry:** Jesus' prayer life was not merely an act of piety but a vital preparation for His arduous ministry. It was in these quiet moments that He was strengthened and received direction for the day's tasks, serving as a model for all who seek to serve God effectively.
### Summary
The Greek word ἔννυχον (énnychon) `{{G1773}}` precisely describes the temporal period "during the night," specifically emphasizing the very early, dark hours before dawn. Its sole occurrence in [[Mark 1:35]] is profoundly significant, depicting Jesus' disciplined and prioritized prayer life. By rising ἔννυχον to pray, Jesus exemplifies a deep commitment to seeking God in solitude, before the demands of the day, thereby receiving divine strength and guidance for His ministry. This single usage transforms the common experience of night into a sacred time for spiritual discipline, intimate communion, and essential preparation, offering a timeless model for all who seek to walk in His footsteps.
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