from the same as ὀπίσω (through the idea of backwardness); (adverbially) late in the day; by extension, after the close of the day:--(at) even, in the end.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb ὀψέ (opsé), Strong's number `{{G3796}}`, primarily denotes a temporal state of "lateness." Its core meaning can be understood as "late in the day" or "after the close of the day." Etymologically, it is derived from the same root as ὀπίσω (opisō) `{{G3694}}`, which signifies "behind" or "after." This etymological connection underscores the adverb's sense of coming *after* a certain point in time, or being *behind* schedule. Depending on context, its semantic range extends to "at even," "in the evening," or "in the end," marking the latter part of a day or a period. It functions as an adverb of time, specifying when an action occurs relative to the progression of a day or a defined period.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ὀψέ (opsé) appears five times in the New Testament, each instance illuminating its temporal nuance:
* **[[Matthew 28:1]]**: "Now after the Sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week..." Here, ὀψέ is used with the genitive σαββάτων (sabbatōn) to mean "after the Sabbath." This is a crucial temporal marker, indicating the period immediately following the Sabbath rest and preceding the dawn of the resurrection day. It emphasizes the transition from the old order to the new.
* **[[Mark 1:32]]**: "That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons." In this context, ὀψέ clearly means "in the evening" or "when evening came." It sets the scene for Jesus' extensive healing ministry, which often occurred after the heat of the day had subsided and people were free from their daily labors.
* **[[Mark 11:19]]**: "And when evening came, he went out of the city." Similar to [[Mark 1:32]], ὀψέ here signifies "evening," marking the time when Jesus and his disciples would withdraw from Jerusalem, likely to Bethany, after a day of teaching and ministry in the temple.
* **[[Mark 13:35]]**: "Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning." Here, ὀψέ refers to the "evening watch," the first of the four Roman night watches (typically 6 PM to 9 PM). In this eschatological discourse, it highlights the uncertainty of the Lord's return, urging constant vigilance at any hour.
* **[[John 20:19]]**: "On the evening of that day, the first day of the week, when the doors were locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, 'Peace be with you.'" This occurrence parallels [[Matthew 28:1]] in its temporal context of the resurrection day. ὀψέ again means "in the evening," setting the scene for Jesus' first post-resurrection appearance to his disciples, bringing peace in the midst of their fear.
Across these contexts, ὀψέ consistently functions as a precise temporal indicator, whether marking the close of a day, the end of a specific period (like the Sabbath), or a particular watch of the night.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ὀψέ (opsé) is enriched by considering its lexical and conceptual kin:
* **ὀπίσω (opisō) `{{G3694}}`**: As noted in the base definition, this preposition/adverb means "behind," "after," or "back." Its semantic connection to ὀψέ underscores the idea of following or coming later.
* **ὀψία (opsia) `{{G3798}}`**: This is the related noun, meaning "evening." While ὀψέ is an adverb, ὀψία is the noun form often used in phrases like "when it was evening" (e.g., [[Matthew 14:15]]). The two words are closely related in meaning and often translate similarly in English.
* **ἔσχατος (eschatos) `{{G2078}}`**: Meaning "last," "uttermost," or "end," ἔσχατος shares a conceptual overlap with ὀψέ in its sense of finality or the conclusion of a period. While ὀψέ typically refers to the end of a day or a short period, ἔσχατος often points to ultimate ends, as in "the last day" or "the last times."
* **Temporal Markers**: ὀψέ belongs to a broader category of words that denote specific times of day or night (e.g., πρωΐ (proï) `{{G4404}}` "early morning," μεσονύκτιον (mesonuktion) `{{G3317}}` "midnight," ἀλεκτοροφωνία (alektorophōnia) `{{G219}}` "cockcrow"). Its inclusion in lists of watches (e.g., [[Mark 13:35]]) highlights its role in defining periods of time.
Conceptually, ὀψέ is tied to themes of transition, the close of one phase and the beginning of another, and the significance of specific moments within the larger flow of time.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ὀψέ (opsé) lies not merely in its function as a time indicator, but in the momentous events it often frames.
1. **The Resurrection Pivot**: Its use in [[Matthew 28:1]] is profoundly significant. "After the Sabbath" (ὀψὲ σαββάτων) marks the precise moment of transition from the old creation's Sabbath rest to the dawn of the new creation, inaugurated by Christ's resurrection. It underscores that the resurrection did not occur *on* the Sabbath, but *after* it, signaling a new era of redemption and a new day of worship (the first day of the week). This linguistic precision highlights the theological break and continuity between the old covenant and the new.
2. **Evening as a Time of Divine Revelation and Ministry**: In [[Mark 1:32]] and [[John 20:19]], ὀψέ sets the stage for significant divine activity. The evening, a time when the day's labors cease and people gather, becomes the setting for Jesus' compassionate healing ministry and, crucially, for His post-resurrection appearances. The appearance to the disciples "on the evening of that day" (the resurrection day) in [[John 20:19]] emphasizes the immediate reality of the resurrected Christ and the institution of peace and the Holy Spirit among His fearful followers. The evening, often associated with darkness, here becomes the backdrop for the light of Christ's presence.
3. **Eschatological Vigilance**: The inclusion of ὀψέ in [[Mark 13:35]] within the context of the Olivet Discourse ties it directly to the theme of eschatological readiness. The "evening watch" is the first of four, symbolically representing the unknown hour of the Lord's return. This use transforms a simple time marker into a theological imperative for constant alertness and preparedness, reminding believers that the Master could come at any "late" hour.
Thus, ὀψέ often marks a liminal space—the end of one period and the beginning of another—imbued with profound theological meaning, particularly concerning the resurrection and the call to vigilance.
### Summary
The Greek adverb ὀψέ (opsé) `{{G3796}}` fundamentally denotes "late in the day" or "after the close of the day," extending to "evening" or "in the end." Its etymological link to ὀπίσω (opisō) `{{G3694}}` reinforces the sense of coming "after" or "behind." In its biblical occurrences, ὀψέ serves as a precise temporal marker, most notably in [[Matthew 28:1]] where "after the Sabbath" signifies the pivotal transition to the resurrection day. It also frequently designates the "evening" as a time for significant divine activity, such as Jesus' healing ministry ([[Mark 1:32]]) and His post-resurrection appearances ([[John 20:19]]). Furthermore, in [[Mark 13:35]], ὀψέ contributes to the urgent call for eschatological vigilance, underscoring that the Lord's return could occur at any "late" hour. The word, therefore, is not merely a chronological indicator but often highlights moments of profound theological transition, divine encounter, and the imperative for spiritual readiness.
TRV