### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **mesonýktion**, represented by `{{G3317}}`, means **midnight**. It is a neuter compound word derived from terms for "middle" and "night," specifically identifying the midpoint of the night, especially as a watch. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible, consistently marking a time of significance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G3317}}` is used to frame pivotal events. It marks a moment of urgent need in a parable where a man goes to his friend at **midnight** to ask for bread [[Luke 11:5]]. In Acts, it is the time when Paul and Silas **prayed** `{{G4336}}` and sang praises to God, with the prisoners hearing them [[Acts 16:25]]. It also denotes the duration of dedicated teaching, as Paul **continued** `{{G3905}}` his speech to the disciples until **midnight** [[Acts 20:7]]. Finally, it serves as a specific watch in the exhortation to be ready for the master's return, which could be "at even, or at **midnight**, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning" [[Mark 13:35]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context of the night watches and the activities that occur during them:
* `{{G3796}}` **opsé** (at even): This term, meaning "late in the day," is used with **midnight** to establish the sequence of night watches, beginning the period of vigilance [[Mark 13:35]].
* `{{G219}}` **alektorophōnía** (cockcrowing): This word for "the third night-watch" immediately follows **midnight** in the list of watches, highlighting the progression of time for which one must remain alert [[Mark 13:35]].
* `{{G4404}}` **prōḯ** (in the morning): This term for the "day-break watch" concludes the series of watches, emphasizing that watchfulness must be maintained through the entire night until dawn [[Mark 13:35]].
* `{{G4336}}` **proseúchomai** (to pray to God): This act of worship is explicitly tied to **midnight** in the account of Paul and Silas, who **prayed** `{{G4336}}` at that hour in prison [[Acts 16:25]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3317}}` centers on its role as a time of spiritual significance and testing.
* **A Time of Vigilance:** **Midnight** is presented as a key time of watchfulness. Its inclusion in [[Mark 13:35]] serves as a powerful metaphor for the church's need to remain spiritually awake and expectant of Christ's return at any hour.
* **A Moment for Worship and Proclamation:** The darkness of **midnight** becomes the backdrop for profound acts of faith. Paul and Silas's prayer and praise at **midnight** demonstrates worship in the midst of trial [[Acts 16:25]], while Paul's lengthy sermon shows its importance as a time for dedicated teaching [[Acts 20:7]].
* **An Hour of Urgency:** The term can signify a point of critical need that demands a response, as seen in the parable where a friend's arrival at **midnight** illustrates persistence and the need for help [[Luke 11:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3317}}` is more than a simple indicator of time. It functions as a biblically significant marker for moments of worship, urgent supplication, prolonged teaching, and the call to spiritual alertness. Whether setting the stage for praise in a prison or for a sermon among believers, **midnight** consistently points to a time when divine and human activity intersects in a notable way.
TRV