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 **epioûsa**, represented by `{{G1966}}`, is a specific term for something that is supervening or ensuing. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible. Its use is consistently tied to the passage of time, with either **day** (hēméra) or **night** (nýx) being expressed or implied to mean the **following** or **next** one.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G1966}}` is used exclusively in the book of Acts to mark the progression of events. It establishes a clear timeline for the apostles' activities. For instance, after Paul's arrest, the Lord encourages him "the **night following**" [[Acts 23:11]]. In Stephen's retelling of Israel's history, Moses attempts to reconcile his brethren on "the **next** day" [[Acts 7:26]]. The term is also used to structure travelogues, marking the journey from one location to another on "the **day following**" [[Acts 21:18]] or "the **next** day" ([[Acts 16:11]], [[Acts 20:15]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the temporal context of `{{G1966}}`:
* `{{G2250}}` **hēméra** (day): This word for **day** is often explicitly paired with `{{G1966}}` to specify the following 24-hour period. It is used to describe the time between dawn and dark or a full day, and is essential for understanding the setting of events, such as when Paul went to meet with James "the **day following**" [[Acts 21:18]].
* `{{G3571}}` **nýx** (night): This word for **night** is also directly associated with `{{G1966}}` to indicate the "night following" a specific event. This pairing is seen when the Lord appears to Paul after his trial before the council [[Acts 23:11]].
* `{{G2087}}` **héteros** (other or different): This term is used in a similar temporal sense to `{{G1966}}`. In the same travel narrative where `{{G1966}}` is used, **héteros** also marks the arrival on the **next** day, showing a related way to express sequence [[Acts 20:15]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative function of `{{G1966}}` is precise and functional, contributing to the historical accounts in Acts.
* **Narrative Pacing:** The word acts as a clear and simple device to move the story forward chronologically, connecting events from one day or night to the next.
* **Setting the Stage:** By marking the "next" or "following" day, it prepares the reader for a new scene or a significant event, such as Paul's important meeting with James and the elders [[Acts 21:18]] or the Lord's direct reassurance to Paul [[Acts 23:11]].
* **Structuring Travel:** It is frequently used to create a clear itinerary in the apostles' missionary journeys, providing a step-by-step account of their progress ([[Acts 16:11]], [[Acts 20:15]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1966}}` is a specific and functional word used exclusively in the book of Acts. While not carrying deep theological weight on its own, it is a crucial component of the biblical author's toolkit for constructing a clear, ordered, and historically grounded narrative. It consistently signifies the **following** or **next** day or night, thereby structuring the timeline and highlighting the progression of key moments in the life of the early church.
TRV