### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **énnychon**, represented by `{{G1773}}`, serves as an adverbial term meaning **by night** or, as it is translated in its single use, **before day**. It appears **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the Bible. The word is a compound, derived from ἐν (en) and νύξ (nyx), and precisely marks an action taking place in the pre-dawn hours of the night.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its sole biblical appearance, `{{G1773}}` establishes the setting for a significant moment of personal devotion in Jesus' ministry. The Gospel of Mark uses this term to emphasize the specific timing of Jesus' withdrawal for prayer. As recorded in [[Mark 1:35]], "in the morning, rising up a great while **before day**, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed." The use of `{{G1773}}` highlights the deliberate and disciplined nature of Christ's communion with the Father, showing he sought it before the demands of his public ministry began.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the surrounding text of [[Mark 1:35]] help to build the full picture of this moment:
* `{{G4404}}` **prōḯ** (at dawn; by implication, the day-break watch): This adverb for **morning** is used with `{{G1773}}` to pinpoint the time. It is used elsewhere to denote early morning activity, such as when the chief priests held a consultation **in the morning** [[Mark 15:1]].
* `{{G2048}}` **érēmos** (lonesome, i.e. (by implication) waste...:--desert, desolate, solitary, wilderness): This describes the type of **solitary** place Jesus sought for prayer. Such a **wilderness** area was often a setting for divine encounters, like when Jesus was led into the **wilderness** to be tempted [[Matthew 4:1]].
* `{{G4336}}` **proseúchomai** (to pray to God, i.e. supplicate, worship): This verb states the specific purpose for Jesus' withdrawal. His action was to **pray**, a practice he consistently modeled and taught his followers, as when he instructed them to **pray**, "Our Father which art in heaven" [[Matthew 6:9]].
### Theological Significance
While rare, the theological significance of `{{G1773}}` is derived entirely from its powerful context in [[Mark 1:35]]. It anchors several important themes:
* **The Priority of Prayer:** By rising **before day**, Jesus demonstrates that communion with God is the foundational priority from which all ministry flows. This aligns with the teaching that one ought always to **pray** and not lose heart [[Luke 18:1]].
* **The Discipline of Solitude:** The act of departing to a **solitary** `{{G2048}}` place `{{G5117}}` shows the spiritual importance of withdrawing from distractions. This intentional separation was for the purpose of focused prayer `{{G4336}}`.
* **Intentional Devotion:** The sequence of actions—rising up `{{G450}}`, going out `{{G1831}}`, and departing `{{G565}}` at such an early hour—portrays a deliberate and earnest pursuit of God, not a casual or convenient one.
### Summary
In summary, **énnychon** `{{G1773}}` is far more than a simple adverb of time. Its single scriptural use powerfully frames a key example of Jesus' spiritual life. It marks a moment of intentional devotion, capturing his commitment to rise **before day** to seek a **solitary** `{{G2048}}` place for prayer [[Mark 1:35]]. Thus, this word helps establish a biblical pattern for prioritizing personal communion with God as the source of strength for life and service.
TRV