### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adjective ὄρθριος (G3721), transliterated as *órthrios*, is derived directly from the noun ὄρθρος (G3722), meaning "daybreak" or "dawn." Consequently, ὄρθριος signifies "at dawn," "early in the morning," or "belonging to the dawn." It pinpoints the precise moment when the first light of day appears, marking the transition from night to day. Unlike a general sense of "early," ὄρθριος carries the specific nuance of being present or active at the very commencement of daylight, implying punctuality, immediacy, and a distinct temporal marker.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ὄρθριος (G3721) appears only once in the New Testament, yet its single occurrence is profoundly significant:
* **[[Luke 24:1]]**: "But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices which they had prepared."
In this pivotal passage, ὄρθριος describes the precise moment the women arrived at Jesus' tomb. The phrase "at early dawn" (ὄρθριος βαθέος, though βαθέος is not present in all manuscripts, ὄρθριος itself conveys the extreme earliness) emphasizes that their arrival was not merely early, but at the very break of day. This timing is crucial to the narrative of the resurrection. It highlights:
1. **Devotion and Eagerness**: The women's willingness to rise and go to the tomb at the earliest possible moment, immediately after the Sabbath, demonstrates their profound love, devotion, and sorrow for Jesus.
2. **Historical Veracity**: The specific timing adds a layer of detail and authenticity to the eyewitness account of the empty tomb, underscoring the immediate aftermath of the crucifixion and burial.
3. **Symbolic Timing**: The resurrection occurring at dawn, the transition from darkness to light, carries immense symbolic weight, aligning with Christ's role as the "Light of the World" [[John 8:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ὄρθρος (G3722)**: The noun from which ὄρθριος is derived, meaning "dawn" or "daybreak." This is the direct semantic root and provides the core meaning of the time period.
* **πρωΐ (G4404)**: This adverb also means "early" or "in the morning." While πρωΐ can be used more broadly for any time in the morning, ὄρθριος is more precise, specifically denoting the first light of dawn.
* **ἐγείρω (G1453)**: "to raise" or "to awaken." Often used in connection with resurrection, it complements the idea of a new beginning at dawn.
* **Vigilance and Watchfulness**: The concept of being awake and active at dawn is often associated with spiritual readiness, prayer, and seeking God, as seen in various Old Testament passages (e.g., [[Psalm 119:147]] - "I rise before dawn and cry for help").
### Theological Significance
The sole New Testament use of ὄρθριος in [[Luke 24:1]] imbues the word with profound theological significance related to the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
1. **The Dawn of New Creation**: The resurrection at "early dawn" symbolizes the breaking of a new day for humanity and creation. Just as literal dawn dispels physical darkness, Christ's resurrection at dawn dispels the spiritual darkness of sin and death, inaugurating the new covenant and the promise of eternal life. It marks the ultimate "new beginning."
2. **Triumph of Light Over Darkness**: Dawn is the quintessential moment of light overcoming darkness. The timing of the resurrection powerfully portrays Christ as the victorious "Son of Righteousness" [[Malachi 4:2]] whose light has conquered the grave and the powers of darkness.
3. **Divine Punctuality**: The precise timing, "at early dawn," suggests a divinely appointed moment for the greatest event in salvation history. It was not a random occurrence but the fulfillment of prophecy and God's perfect plan.
4. **Eagerness in Seeking Christ**: The women's arrival at this early hour serves as an enduring example of devout seeking. Their immediate, unwavering pursuit of their Lord, even in sorrow, models a spiritual eagerness to encounter the divine, which is ultimately rewarded by the revelation of the empty tomb and the news of the resurrection.
### Summary
ὄρθριος (G3721) is a Greek adjective meaning "at dawn" or "early in the morning," specifically denoting the first light of day. Though it appears only once in the New Testament, its placement in [[Luke 24:1]] is profoundly significant, describing the precise moment the women arrived at Jesus' empty tomb. This particular timing underscores their deep devotion and eagerness, but more importantly, it carries immense theological weight. The resurrection at "early dawn" symbolizes the dawning of a new creation, the definitive triumph of divine light over the darkness of death, and the inauguration of God's new covenant. It points to a divinely orchestrated moment of unparalleled significance, marking the ultimate new beginning for all who believe in the risen Lord.
TRV