### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word ὄψιος (ópsios, `{{G3798}}`) is an adjective derived from the adverb ὀψέ (opsé, `{{G3796}}`), which means "late." As an adjective, ὄψιος signifies "late" or "belonging to the late part of the day." However, it is most frequently used substantively in the feminine form, ὀψία (opsia), to denote the "evening." Its semantic range specifically encompasses the later part of the day, extending from the afternoon (early evening) through to nightfall (later evening). It distinctly marks the transition from the daylight hours to the onset of night, often implying a period immediately following sunset. Unlike general terms for "evening," ὄψιος emphasizes the "lateness" of the hour within the daily cycle.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ὄψιος occurs frequently in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels and Acts, always referring to the evening time. Its usage consistently highlights the end of the day's activities and the approach of night.
* **End of the Day's Work/Activity**: ὄψιος commonly marks the conclusion of a period of labor or public interaction. For instance, after a day of teaching and healing, "When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to Him" [[Matthew 8:16]]. Similarly, after the feeding of the five thousand, "As evening approached, the disciples came to Him..." [[Matthew 14:15]], indicating a time for dismissal and rest. The payment of vineyard workers also occurs "When evening came" [[Matthew 20:8]], reflecting customary practice.
* **Time for Retreat or Transition**: Jesus often used the evening for private prayer or to move to another location. "Later that evening, He was there alone" [[Matthew 14:23]], after sending the crowds away. The disciples' routine in Jerusalem involved leaving the city "When evening came" [[Mark 11:19]].
* **Crucial Moments of Revelation or Crisis**: The evening frequently serves as the backdrop for pivotal events. The Last Supper, for example, took place "When evening came" [[Mark 14:17]]. The burial of Jesus by Joseph of Arimathea was undertaken "As evening approached" [[Matthew 27:57]], emphasizing the urgency to act before the Sabbath began. Perhaps most significantly, Jesus' first post-resurrection appearance to His disciples occurred "On the evening of that first day of the week" [[John 20:19]], a moment of profound fear transformed into joy and commissioning.
* **Watches of the Night**: In the context of eschatological warnings, ὄψιος is identified as one of the four watches of the night, specifically the first watch (roughly 6 PM to 9 PM). Jesus warns, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn" [[Mark 13:35]]. This highlights the temporal uncertainty of His return.
* **Practical Considerations**: The evening also dictated practical matters, such as the arrest of Peter and John, who were jailed "because it was evening" [[Acts 4:3]], delaying their trial until morning.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **ὀψέ (opsé, `{{G3796}}`)**: The foundational adverb meaning "late" or "late in the day." ὄψιος is directly derived from this root, emphasizing the "lateness" of the evening.
* **ἑσπέρα (hespera, `{{G2073}}`)**: Another common Greek word for "evening." While both can refer to the evening, ὄψιος often carries the nuance of the *later* part of the evening, or the time immediately following sunset, marking the definitive close of the day.
* **νύξ (nyx, `{{G3571}}`)**: "Night." ὄψιος precedes νύξ, marking the transition into the full darkness of night.
* **πρωΐ (proi, `{{G4404}}`)**: "Early" or "early in the morning." This serves as the temporal opposite to ὄψιος, marking the beginning of the day.
* **δύσις (dysis, `{{G1416}}`)**: "Sunset" or "west." Often associated with the beginning of the evening period marked by ὄψιος, as seen in "That evening, after sunset..." [[Mark 1:32]].
### Theological Significance
The temporal marker ὄψιος often carries significant theological weight within the biblical narrative, moving beyond mere chronological description to signify deeper spiritual realities.
* **Liminality and Transition**: The evening, as the boundary between day and night, frequently serves as a liminal space in scripture, a time of transition where profound spiritual shifts occur. The appearance of the resurrected Christ "on the evening of that first day of the week" [[John 20:19]] is a prime example. This moment, occurring in the disciples' fear-filled darkness, signals the transition from despair to hope, from death to life, and from the old creation to the new.
* **Divine Intervention in Darkness**: While evening ushers in darkness, it is often precisely in this encroaching shadow that God's light, healing, or revelation breaks forth. The healings performed by Jesus "after sunset" [[Mark 1:32]] illustrate His power to bring light and wholeness even as the natural light fades.
* **Urgency and Preparation**: The approaching ὄψιος in the context of Jesus' burial [[Matthew 27:57]] underscores the urgency to complete a vital task before the sacred time of the Sabbath. This highlights the precise timing of God's redemptive plan, where even the practical constraints of human custom align with divine purpose.
* **Call to Watchfulness**: In the eschatological discourse, ὄψιος becomes a theological imperative. As one of the watches of the night, it serves as a reminder for believers to remain vigilant and prepared for the unexpected return of the Lord [[Mark 13:35]]. The temporal uncertainty of the evening hours transforms into a call for constant spiritual readiness and faithfulness.
### Summary
The Greek word ὄψιος (ópsios, `{{G3798}}`) denotes the "late" part of the day, specifically the evening, ranging from afternoon to nightfall. While a simple temporal marker, its consistent use in the New Testament often imbues it with deeper theological significance. ὄψιος frequently marks the end of the day's activities, a time for rest or dismissal. More profoundly, it serves as a liminal period, signifying crucial transitions, such as the shift from fear to joy at the resurrection appearance, or the urgency of preparing for the Sabbath after Jesus' crucifixion. Furthermore, its inclusion in the watches of the night transforms it into a powerful reminder for believers to maintain constant vigilance and readiness for the Lord's return. Thus, ὄψιος is not merely a description of time but often a subtle indicator of divine timing, intervention, and the call to spiritual alertness.
TRV