from ἐπί and αὔριον; occurring on the succeeding day, i.e. (ἡμέρα being implied) to-morrow:--day following, morrow, next day (after).
Transliteration:epaúrion
Pronunciation:ep-ow'-ree-on
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb ἐπαύριον (G1887, *epaúrion*) is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐπί (G1909, *epi*), meaning "upon" or "on," and the adverb αὔριον (G839, *aurion*), meaning "tomorrow" or "on the morrow." Therefore, its literal and primary meaning is "on the morrow," "on the next day," or "the day following." It functions strictly as a temporal indicator, marking the immediate succeeding day after a previously mentioned event or time. Its semantic range is narrow and precise, referring exclusively to the chronological progression from one day to the very next. It denotes a direct and immediate temporal sequence, without any implication of delay or extended future.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ἐπαύριον appears frequently in the New Testament, predominantly in the Gospels and the book of Acts, where it serves to advance the narrative by marking the passage of time from one day to the next. Its consistent use underscores the historical and chronological unfolding of events.
In the Gospel of John, ἐπαύριον is particularly prominent in the opening chapters, marking a series of significant divine revelations and calls. For example, John the Baptist twice points out Jesus "the next day" ([[John 1:29]], [[John 1:35]]), leading to the initial following of disciples. Again, "the next day" ([[John 1:43]]), Jesus calls Philip and Nathanael. This repeated use of ἐπαύριον in John 1 creates a sense of rapid, divinely orchestrated progression, highlighting the swift unfolding of Jesus' early ministry and the gathering of His first followers. It is not merely a neutral time marker but emphasizes the deliberate, sequential revelation of the Messiah.
In the Synoptic Gospels, it also serves to mark practical, sequential actions. In the parable of the Good Samaritan, the Samaritan's return "the next day" ([[Luke 10:35]]) indicates his continued care and commitment to the injured man. This demonstrates the word's use in denoting practical, ongoing engagement rather than just narrative advancement.
In Acts, ἐπαύριον is frequently employed to detail the progression of Paul's missionary journeys, legal proceedings, and various events. For instance, after being arrested, Paul is brought before the Sanhedrin "the next day" ([[Acts 23:18]]), and then transferred to Caesarea "the next day" ([[Acts 23:32]]). These occurrences emphasize the unfolding of God's plan through specific, chronologically ordered human actions and divine interventions. The word grounds the grand narrative of the early church in concrete, day-by-day occurrences.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct related word is αὔριον `{{G839}}`, the root from which ἐπαύριον is formed, meaning "tomorrow." While αὔριον can refer to a general future "tomorrow," ἐπαύριον specifically denotes "on the *succeeding* day," emphasizing the immediate transition from the present day.
Other related temporal adverbs include σήμερον `{{G4594}}` ("today") and χθές `{{G5507}}` ("yesterday"), which together with ἐπαύριον form a basic chronological triad. Concepts such as "divine timing," "providence," and "narrative progression" are inherently tied to the use of ἐπαύριον, as it marks the precise moments in which God's will unfolds within human history. While not directly synonymous, other words indicating immediate action or sequence, such as εὐθέως `{{G2112}}` ("immediately") or phrases like μετὰ ταῦτα ("after these things"), share a functional similarity in moving the biblical narrative forward.
### Theological Significance
While ἐπαύριον is a seemingly simple temporal adverb, its theological significance lies in its consistent application to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan in time. It underscores the historical reality of biblical events, emphasizing that God's actions are not abstract or mythical, but concretely situated within human chronology.
Most notably, in John's Gospel, the repeated "next day" sequence in chapter 1 highlights the deliberate and purposeful unveiling of Jesus as the Christ. The calling of disciples, the revelation of the Lamb of God, and the movement towards Galilee are presented as a divinely orchestrated, day-by-day progression. This suggests that God's plan is not haphazard but unfolds with precision and intentionality, each "next day" bringing a new facet of revelation or a step closer to the fulfillment of prophecy.
Furthermore, the use of ἐπαύριον in contexts like the Good Samaritan's continued care ([[Luke 10:35]]) subtly points to the ongoing nature of compassion and responsibility. It suggests that faith is not a one-time event but involves sustained action over time. In Acts, the word reinforces the providential guidance over the early church's mission and the apostles' journeys, demonstrating that even the mundane passage of days is under God's sovereign control, leading to the spread of the Gospel. Thus, ἐπαύριον serves as a quiet but consistent reminder that God is at work in the succession of days, bringing His purposes to fruition.
### Summary
ἐπαύριον (G1887) is a precise Greek adverb meaning "on the next day" or "the day following," derived from ἐπί and αὔριον. Its primary function in the biblical narrative is to mark the immediate chronological progression of events, grounding the unfolding story in a concrete, day-by-day sequence. While seemingly mundane, its repeated use, particularly in the Gospel of John, underscores the deliberate and purposeful unfolding of God's redemptive plan, highlighting the historical reality and divine orchestration of Jesus' ministry and the early church's development. It emphasizes that God acts within specific moments in time, guiding events and revealing His will in a continuous, sequential manner.
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