### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **órthrios**, represented by `{{G3721}}`, means **early**, specifically describing an action occurring in the dawn or at day-break. This term is highly specific, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. Its singular use marks a moment of profound significance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole instance of `{{G3721}}` is found in [[Luke 24:22]], where the disciples on the road to Emmaus recount the bewildering events of the resurrection morning. They describe how "certain women...which were **early** at the sepulchre" returned and "made us astonished." The use of **órthrios** here precisely times their arrival at the tomb to the very beginning of the day, emphasizing their diligence and the immediacy of the discovery that would change everything.
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of this event is enriched by several related words found in the same verse:
* `{{G1135}}` **gynḗ** (a woman; specially, a wife): This specifies the identity of the first individuals at the tomb, the women of their company. Their testimony is central to the account [[Luke 24:22]]. In other contexts, this word refers to figures of faith [[Luke 7:50]] and is used in descriptions of foundational relationships [[Ephesians 5:25]].
* `{{G3419}}` **mnēmeîon** (a remembrance, i.e. cenotaph (place of interment)): This identifies the location of the pivotal event, the tomb or sepulchre. This place of death becomes a site of divine revelation [[Luke 24:22]]. Scripture points to the graves being opened at the moment of Christ's victory [[Matthew 27:52]].
* `{{G1839}}` **exístēmi** (to put (stand) out of wits, i.e. astound): This word describes the reaction caused by the women's report. It conveys a sense of being amazed to the point of astonishment, a common response to miraculous events, such as when the people of Samaria were bewitched by sorcery [[Acts 8:9]] or when believers were amazed at the conversion of Saul [[Acts 9:21]].
* `{{G1096}}` **gínomai** (to cause to be... i.e. (reflexively) to become): The phrase "which were" (a form of **gínomai**) establishes the women's presence at the tomb [[Luke 24:22]]. This word carries a broader sense of coming into being or becoming, as seen when the Word was made flesh [[John 1:14]] or when believers become new creatures [[2 Corinthians 5:17]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G3721}}` extends beyond its literal meaning, tying into key theological themes.
* **Dawn of the New Creation:** The arrival "early" in the dawn signifies more than a time of day; it marks the beginning of a new era. The discovery at the tomb initiates a reality where believers can "become" `{{G1096}}` new creatures in Christ [[2 Corinthians 5:17]].
* **The Astonishment of Redemption:** The women's report "made us astonished" `{{G1839}}`. This astonishment is the appropriate response to the impossible becoming reality. It echoes the amazement that accompanies God's mighty acts, such as the pouring out of the Holy Spirit on the Gentiles [[Acts 10:45]] and the signs done through the apostles [[Acts 8:13]].
* **The Empty Tomb as a Sign:** The sepulchre `{{G3419}}` is the focal point. While it is a place of interment, its significance in this context is what was discovered there—an absence. This location is elsewhere associated with the power of Christ over death, where He called Lazarus from his grave [[John 12:17]] and where other graves were opened [[Matthew 27:52]].
### Summary
In summary, **órthrios** `{{G3721}}`, while appearing only once, is a crucial word in the biblical narrative. It pinpoints the exact time—the dawn—when the news of the resurrection first began to spread. By marking the women's `{{G1135}}` visit to the tomb `{{G3419}}` as "early," the text anchors the resulting astonishment `{{G1839}}` in a specific, historical moment. This single word, therefore, serves as a timestamp for the beginning of the post-resurrection reality.
TRV