### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **prosábbaton**, represented by `{{G4315}}`, specifically means **a fore-sabbath** or the Sabbath-eve. It is a rare term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Formed from the words πρό (meaning "before") and σάββατον (meaning "sabbath"), its purpose is to precisely identify the day leading up to the Sabbath. The definition itself draws a direct comparison to the word `paraskeuḗ`, or preparation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole biblical occurrence of `{{G4315}}` is found in [[Mark 15:42]]. The passage explicitly defines "the preparation{G3904}" as the "**day before the sabbath**{G4315}." This verse establishes a precise chronological marker, indicating that the events described occurred in the evening as the Sabbath was about to begin. The use of `{{G4315}}` serves to explain the significance of "the preparation" day to the reader.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the surrounding text help to frame the meaning of `{{G4315}}`:
* `{{G3904}}` **paraskeuḗ** (readiness:--preparation): This word is explicitly equated with `{{G4315}}` in [[Mark 15:42]]. It refers to the day of preparation before the Sabbath, a concept reinforced in other passages like [[Luke 23:54]], where the day was the **preparation**, and the sabbath drew on.
* `{{G3798}}` **ópsios** (late; feminine (as noun) afternoon (early eve) or nightfall (later eve)): This term specifies the time of day, "the **even**," when the events on the day before the Sabbath took place [[Mark 15:42]]. Its use highlights the approaching deadline of the Sabbath's start.
* `{{G3603}}` **hó esti** (which is): This phrase acts as a grammatical bridge in [[Mark 15:42]], directly linking "the preparation" to "the day before the sabbath." It signals that an explanation or definition is being given, as also seen when it is used to translate "Ephphatha" as "Be opened" [[Mark 7:34]].
### Theological Significance
While rare, the use of `{{G4315}}` carries significance for understanding biblical context and timing.
* **Sabbath Observance:** The existence of a specific term for the day before the Sabbath underscores the cultural and religious importance of preparing for this holy day of rest. The narrative context of [[Mark 15:42]] illustrates the urgency of completing tasks before the Sabbath began.
* **Chronological Precision:** `{{G4315}}` serves as a critical time stamp within the Passion narrative. It fixes the timing of Jesus’ burial to the period just before the Sabbath, providing a clear sequence of events.
* **Clarifying "Preparation":** The term's primary function in its only appearance is to define another word, **paraskeuḗ** `{{G3904}}`. The phrase "that is, the day before the sabbath" [[Mark 15:42]] is an explicit clarification, ensuring the reader understands that "the preparation" refers to the Sabbath-eve.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4315}}` **prosábbaton** is a precise and highly specific term, derived from words meaning "before" and "sabbath." Though it appears only once, its role is pivotal. It functions to explicitly define "the preparation" day `{{G3904}}` as the Sabbath-eve, providing a crucial chronological anchor for the events of Jesus' burial in the Gospel of Mark. Its significance lies not in broad theological doctrine, but in its function of bringing clarity and temporal accuracy to a key moment in the biblical narrative.
TRV