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.
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.
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.
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.
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