from the same as ὄρος; dawn (as sun-rise, rising of light); by extension, morn:--early in the morning.
Transliteration:órthros
Pronunciation:or'-thros
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ὄρθρος (órthros, `{{G3722}}`) fundamentally denotes the period of "dawn" or "daybreak." Its etymological connection to ὄρος (óros, `{{G3735}}`), meaning "mountain," suggests the rising of the sun over the horizon or mountains, marking the transition from night to day. This primary meaning emphasizes the first appearance of light, the very beginning of the morning. By extension, it can refer to the broader period of "early morning" or "morn," a time characterized by fresh light and the cessation of night's darkness. The term captures the essence of a new beginning, a breaking forth of light after obscurity.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ὄρθρος (órthros, `{{G3722}}`) appears a limited number of times in the New Testament, yet each occurrence is pregnant with significance:
* **[[Luke 24:1]]**: "But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared." Here, the phrase ὄρθρου βαθέος (órthrou bathéos, "deep dawn" or "very early dawn") precisely marks the time when the women discovered the empty tomb. This timing is crucial, as it signifies the moment of Christ's resurrection, the ultimate triumph of life over death, and light over darkness. The breaking of the new day parallels the breaking forth of new life.
* **[[John 8:2]]**: "Early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people were coming to Him; and He sat down and began to teach them." In this passage, ὄρθρου (órthrou) describes Jesus' habit of appearing at the temple at the very start of the day to teach. This highlights His dedication to ministry and His availability to those who sought Him. The early morning hour suggests a time of quiet receptivity and spiritual readiness, setting the stage for significant divine instruction.
* **[[Acts 5:21]]**: "And upon hearing this, they entered into the temple about daybreak and began to teach." Here, the apostles, having been miraculously released from prison, immediately obey the angelic instruction to proclaim the gospel. The phrase ὑπὸ τὸν ὄρθρον (hypò ton órthron, "at the approach of dawn" or "about daybreak") underscores their zeal, obedience, and the urgency of their mission. They did not delay but seized the earliest possible moment to continue their witness, demonstrating unwavering commitment to the Lord's command.
In each instance, ὄρθρος (órthros, `{{G3722}}`) is not merely a temporal indicator but a contextual marker for events of profound spiritual and theological weight, often associated with new revelations, divine action, or dedicated ministry.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of ὄρθρος (órthros, `{{G3722}}`) intersects with several other Greek terms related to time and light:
* **πρωΐ (proï, `{{G4404}}`)**: Meaning "early" or "early in the morning," this term is often used synonymously with or in conjunction with ὄρθρος (órthros, `{{G3722}}`) to emphasize the very beginning of the day (e.g., [[Mark 16:2]], [[John 20:1]]). While ὄρθρος (órthros, `{{G3722}}`) specifically denotes the *dawn*, πρωΐ (proï, `{{G4404}}`) can refer to a broader "early" period.
* **φῶς (phōs, `{{G5457}}`)**: "Light." This is the direct antithesis of darkness and the very essence that ὄρθρος (órthros, `{{G3722}}`) signifies the breaking forth of. The arrival of dawn is the arrival of light.
* **σκότος (skotos, `{{G4655}}`)**: "Darkness." ὄρθρος (órthros, `{{G3722}}`) represents the overcoming and dispelling of this.
* **καιρός (kairos, `{{G2540}}`)**: "Opportune time" or "season." While ὄρθρος (órthros, `{{G3722}}`) is a specific time of day, it often marks a *kairos*—a divinely appointed moment for significant events.
Conceptually, ὄρθρος (órthros, `{{G3722}}`) is linked to themes of vigilance, readiness, and the expectation of revelation or divine activity that often accompanies the breaking of a new day.
### Theological Significance
The theological resonance of ὄρθρος (órthros, `{{G3722}}`) is profound, particularly due to its association with the resurrection and the nature of divine activity:
* **The Triumph of Life and Light**: The most enduring theological significance of ὄρθρος (órthros, `{{G3722}}`) lies in its connection to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The "deep dawn" of [[Luke 24:1]] is not merely a time stamp but a theological statement. It symbolizes the breaking of God's new creation, the triumph of Christ over the darkness of sin and death, and the dawning of eternal life. Just as physical light dispels night, so Christ's resurrection dispels spiritual darkness.
* **Divine Initiative and Revelation**: The early morning, marked by ὄρθρος (órthros, `{{G3722}}`), often serves as a time for divine encounters and the reception of God's word. Jesus' teaching at dawn in the temple ([[John 8:2]]) underscores His accessibility and the divine wisdom He imparts at the very beginning of the day, inviting people to receive spiritual light before the distractions of the world set in. This suggests that the early hours are often a privileged time for communion with God and the reception of His truth.
* **Urgency and Obedience in Ministry**: The apostles' immediate return to teaching at daybreak ([[Acts 5:21]]) illustrates the urgency and unwavering commitment required in gospel ministry. The dawning of a new day is not a time for sloth but for immediate, obedient action in proclaiming the good news. It reflects a spiritual readiness to seize every opportunity for God's kingdom.
* **New Beginnings and Hope**: Every ὄρθρος (órthros, `{{G3722}}`) signifies a new beginning, a fresh opportunity for repentance, renewal, and walking in God's light. It speaks to the ongoing mercies of God, which are "new every morning" ([[Lamentations 3:23]]). For believers, it is a reminder of the constant hope found in Christ, who is the "bright Morning Star" ([[Revelation 22:16]]), signaling the dawn of His eternal reign.
### Summary
The Greek word ὄρθρος (órthros, `{{G3722}}`) denotes "dawn" or "early morning," emphasizing the breaking forth of light after darkness. Its limited but significant appearances in the New Testament highlight pivotal moments: the discovery of the empty tomb at the resurrection ([[Luke 24:1]]), Jesus' dedicated teaching at the temple ([[John 8:2]]), and the apostles' immediate, obedient return to ministry ([[Acts 5:21]]). Theologically, ὄρθρος (órthros, `{{G3722}}`) profoundly symbolizes the triumph of life over death in the resurrection, the opportune time for divine revelation and encounter, and the urgent call to obedient ministry. It consistently points to new beginnings, the dispelling of darkness by divine light, and the spiritual readiness required of those who follow Christ.
TRV