feminine singular participle of a comparative of ἐπί and (to go); supervening, i.e. (ἡμέρα or νύξ being expressed or implied) the ensuing day or night:--following, next.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ἐπιοῦσα (epioûsa, `{{G1966}}`) is a feminine singular participle derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi, `{{G1909}}`, meaning "upon" or "to") and the implied verb ἰέναι (ienai, "to go"). Its core meaning is "that which is coming upon," "ensuing," or "following." As a participle, it functions adjectivally, most commonly modifying ἡμέρα (hēmera, day, `{{G2250}}`) or νύξ (nyx, night, `{{G3571}}`), even when these nouns are unexpressed but clearly understood from context. Therefore, ἐπιοῦσα consistently refers to the "next" or "following" day or night, marking a temporal progression from a preceding point in time. It is a straightforward temporal indicator, denoting sequence and continuity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ἐπιοῦσα appears exclusively in the book of Acts, where it serves to mark the chronological progression of events in the early church and the missionary journeys of the apostles. Its seven occurrences consistently point to the "next day" or "next night," often preceding significant developments in the narrative:
* **[[Acts 7:26]]**: "And the *next day* he appeared to them as they were fighting and tried to reconcile them..." Here, τῇ ἐπιούσῃ ἡμέρᾳ refers to the day after Moses' initial observation of his people's suffering, setting the stage for his attempt at intervention.
* **[[Acts 16:11]]**: "Therefore sailing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothrace, and the *next day* to Neapolis..." The phrase τῇ ἐπιούσῃ (with ἡμέρᾳ implied) marks the swift progress of Paul's second missionary journey, leading directly to the pivotal city of Philippi, where the Gospel first took root in Europe.
* **[[Acts 20:15]]**: "And sailing thence, the *next day* we arrived at Samos..." Again, τῇ ἐπιούσῃ denotes the continued, purposeful journey of Paul back towards Jerusalem, highlighting the relentless nature of his apostolic travels.
* **[[Acts 21:18]]**: "And the *day following* Paul went in with us unto James..." This τῇ ἐπιούσῃ signals Paul's arrival in Jerusalem and his immediate engagement with the leadership of the Jerusalem church, a crucial meeting that addresses the relationship between Jewish and Gentile believers.
* **[[Acts 23:11]]**: "And the *night following* the Lord stood by him and said, 'Take courage, for as you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.'" The phrase τῇ ἐπιούσῃ νυκτί marks a critical divine intervention. On this specific "next night," following intense persecution and plots against his life, Paul receives direct encouragement and a clear prophetic word from the Lord, affirming his future ministry.
* **[[Acts 23:32]]**: "On the *next day* they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the barracks." Here, τῇ ἐπιούσῃ signifies the continuation of Paul's journey under escort to Caesarea, a necessary step in his legal proceedings and ultimate journey to Rome.
In each instance, ἐπιοῦσα is not merely a temporal filler but anchors significant events within the divinely ordered timeline of God's redemptive plan, often marking a transition to a new phase of ministry, conflict, or divine guidance.
### Related Words & Concepts
ἐπιοῦσα belongs to a semantic field of words indicating temporal sequence and progression. Related Greek terms include:
* αὔριον (aurion, `{{G839}}`): "tomorrow," a direct reference to the next day.
* ἐπαύριον (epaurion, `{{G1889}}`): "on the morrow," similar in meaning to αὔριον, often used to denote the day immediately following.
* μετά (meta, `{{G3326}}`): "after," a general preposition indicating sequence.
* ἔρχομαι (erchomai, `{{G2064}}`): "to come," the root verb from which the "going" aspect of ἐπιοῦσα is derived, emphasizing movement towards a future point.
Conceptually, ἐπιοῦσα relates to the broader themes of divine providence and the unfolding of salvation history. The "next day" or "next night" is never arbitrary in the biblical narrative; it is part of a purposeful progression orchestrated by God. It underscores the linearity of time and the sequential nature of God's work in the world.
### Theological Significance
While ἐπιοῦσα is a humble temporal marker, its consistent use in Acts carries subtle yet profound theological implications. The narrative of Acts is one of divine activity, where God is actively guiding the church's expansion and the apostles' ministries. The repeated "next day" or "next night" serves to underscore:
1. **Divine Providence:** Events unfold not randomly but according to God's preordained plan. Each "next day" brings forth the next step in God's sovereign design for the spread of the Gospel. The Lord's direct appearance to Paul on the ἐπιοῦσα νυκτί in [[Acts 23:11]] is a powerful example of God's active involvement in the specific moments of His servants' lives.
2. **Continuity of God's Work:** The word emphasizes that God's work is continuous and persistent. There are no gaps or interruptions in His unfolding purposes. The "next day" always arrives, bringing with it new opportunities, challenges, and divine interventions.
3. **Anticipation and Expectation:** For the reader, the mention of the "next day" subtly builds anticipation for what God will do next. It invites reflection on how God's plan progresses through sequential moments in time. For the characters, it often signifies the immediate future into which they are stepping, often unaware of the significant events awaiting them.
4. **The Sovereignty of Time:** God is Lord over time itself. The progression from one day to the next is not merely a natural phenomenon but part of the created order through which God works His will.
Thus, ἐπιοῦσα quietly testifies to the orderly, purposeful, and sovereign hand of God guiding the narrative of redemption, day by day and night by night.
### Summary
ἐπιοῦσα (epioûsa, `{{G1966}}`) is a Greek participle primarily meaning "ensuing," "following," or "next," consistently referring to the "next day" or "next night." Its exclusive appearance in the book of Acts highlights its function as a precise temporal marker. Far from being a mere chronological detail, the repeated use of ἐπιοῦσα in Acts subtly emphasizes the continuous, purposeful, and divinely orchestrated unfolding of events in the early church. Each "next day" or "next night" marks a significant juncture in God's plan, whether it be a missionary journey, a crucial meeting, or a direct divine intervention. Therefore, while linguistically simple, ἐπιοῦσα serves as a quiet testament to God's meticulous providence and sovereignty over time, guiding the progression of salvation history.
TRV