### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective καθημερινός (kathēmerinós, `{{G2522}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition κατά (katá, `{{G2596}}`), meaning "according to" or "down," and the noun ἡμέρα (hēmera, `{{G2250}}`), meaning "day." Literally, it conveys the sense of "according to the day" or "day by day." The core meaning thus denotes that which occurs or pertains to "every day," "daily," or "quotidian." It emphasizes regularity, routine, and a consistent, recurring nature of an action or state. The word points to an ongoing, unceasing aspect of daily life or activity, rather than an isolated or occasional event.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term καθημερινός (kathēmerinós, `{{G2522}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the book of Acts:
* **[[Acts 6:1]]**: "Now in these days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose from the Hellenists against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution." (ἐν τῇ διακονίᾳ τῇ καθημερινῇ).
In this sole occurrence, καθημερινός modifies διακονίᾳ (diakonia), referring to the "ministration" or "distribution." The context describes a critical administrative issue within the early Jerusalem church. The Hellenistic Jewish widows were being overlooked in the regular, ongoing provision of food or sustenance, which was a "daily" affair. The problem was not a one-off oversight but a consistent neglect in the routine, everyday care provided by the community. This highlights that the church's practical ministry, including the equitable distribution of resources, was a continuous, daily responsibility, and any failure in this "daily" aspect led to significant internal conflict. The use of καθημερινός underscores the constant, recurring nature of the need and the corresponding expectation of consistent provision.
It is important to distinguish καθημερινός (`{{G2522}}`) from the more common phrase καθ' ἡμέραν (kath' hēmeran, `{{G2596}}` `{{G2250}}`), which also translates as "daily" and appears frequently in the New Testament (e.g., [[Luke 11:3]], [[Acts 17:11]], [[Hebrews 3:13]]). While both convey the idea of daily recurrence, καθημερινός functions as an adjective describing a daily *thing* (like a "daily distribution"), whereas καθ' ἡμέραν is an adverbial phrase describing an action done "day by day."
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ἡμέρα (hēmera, `{{G2250}}`)**: The foundational noun for "day," from which καθημερινός is derived. It signifies the period of light, a 24-hour cycle, or a specific point in time.
* **κατά (katá, `{{G2596}}`)**: The preposition contributing to the distributive or intensive sense of "daily" in the compound.
* **διακονία (diakonia, `{{G1248}}`)**: "Service," "ministry," or "distribution." In [[Acts 6:1]], this is the noun modified by καθημερινός, highlighting the practical, administrative aspect of early church life.
* **τροφή (trophē, `{{G5160}}`)**: "Food" or "nourishment," often the implied object of "distribution" in contexts like [[Acts 6:1]].
* **προσκαρτερέω (proskartereō, `{{G4342}}`)**: "To continue steadfastly," "to persevere." This verb is often used in Acts to describe the early church's consistent devotion (e.g., to prayer, teaching, fellowship, [[Acts 2:42]], [[Acts 2:46]]), which implicitly involves a "daily" commitment.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of καθημερινός (`{{G2522}}`) in [[Acts 6:1]] carries significant theological weight, despite its limited occurrence. It underscores the profound importance of the mundane and the routine in the life of the believing community.
1. **The Practicality of Agape**: The "daily distribution" was an expression of practical love (agape) and communal responsibility. The neglect of this "daily" care for the widows was not merely an administrative oversight but a failure in living out the core tenets of Christian love and justice. It highlights that genuine faith is demonstrated not just in grand spiritual acts but in the consistent, equitable meeting of everyday needs.
2. **Stewardship and Equity**: The crisis in [[Acts 6:1]] led to the appointment of the seven deacons, a foundational moment in the development of church structure. This appointment was necessitated by the failure to manage the "daily" resources equitably. It teaches that the church must be organized to ensure that the practical, regular needs of all its members, especially the vulnerable, are consistently met.
3. **The Mundane as Sacred**: The term reminds us that spiritual life is not confined to extraordinary moments or formal worship. God's concern extends to the "quotidian," the ordinary, and the repetitive. Faithfulness in the "daily" aspects of life—whether in service, provision, or personal discipline—is a crucial arena for demonstrating one's commitment to Christ. Neglect in the daily can have profound spiritual and communal consequences.
### Summary
The Greek word καθημερινός (kathēmerinós, `{{G2522}}`) literally means "according to the day," signifying "daily" or "quotidian." It emphasizes regularity, routine, and a consistent, recurring nature. Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Acts 6:1]] is highly significant, describing the "daily distribution" (διακονίᾳ τῇ καθημερινῇ) within the early church. This context highlights the critical importance of consistent, equitable provision and care for community members, particularly the vulnerable. The word underscores that the practical, mundane aspects of communal life are vital expressions of Christian love and stewardship, demonstrating that faithfulness is lived out not just in extraordinary events but in diligent attention to the "daily" needs and responsibilities.
TRV