### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **prōḯ**, represented by `{{G4404}}`, is an adverb meaning **at dawn** or **early in the morning**. Derived from πρό, it often denotes the day-break watch. It appears **10 times** across **10 unique verses** in the Bible, highlighting specific moments of action and importance that occur at the beginning of the day.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G4404}}` is used to frame several key events. It marks a moment of personal devotion when Jesus rises "in the **morning**, a great while before day" to pray in a solitary place [[Mark 1:35]]. It is also central to the resurrection accounts, with Mary Magdalene coming to the sepulchre **early**, when it was still dark [[John 20:1]], and Jesus having risen **early** on the first day of the week [[Mark 16:9]]. The term is also used to signify the start of decisive human actions, such as the chief priests holding a consultation "in the **morning**" to deliver Jesus to Pilate [[Mark 15:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the passage of time around `{{G4404}}`:
* `{{G3796}}` **opsé** (at even): This adverb means "late in the day" and marks the beginning of the watches of the night, standing in contrast to the morning [[Mark 13:35]].
* `{{G3317}}` **mesonýktion** (midnight): Referring specifically to midnight as a watch, this term marks the middle of the night and is used in the list of times when the master of the house might return [[Mark 13:35]].
* `{{G219}}` **alektorophōnía** (cockcrowing): Signifying the third night-watch, this word points to the time just before dawn, immediately preceding the "morning" watch [[Mark 13:35]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G4404}}` is tied to the important actions that take place at this time.
* **Pivotal Divine Events:** The word is repeatedly used to mark the time of the resurrection. Jesus is said to have risen **early** [[Mark 16:9]], and the women came to the sepulchre "very **early in the morning**" [[Mark 16:2]], establishing dawn as a time of new beginnings and divine triumph.
* **Diligence and Urgency:** `{{G4404}}` is associated with purposeful action. A householder goes out "**early in the morning**" to hire laborers for his vineyard [[Matthew 20:1]], and Paul expounds on the kingdom of God from "**morning** till evening" [[Acts 28:23]].
* **A Call to Watchfulness:** The word serves as a specific time marker in the command to be vigilant, as believers do not know if the master will return "at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the **morning**" [[Mark 13:35]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4404}}` is more than a simple indicator of time. It consistently marks moments of profound significance, from Jesus's private prayer to the public discovery of his resurrection. It frames periods of diligent work, urgent counsel, and the crucial Christian duty to remain watchful. The use of **prōḯ** shows that the start of the day is often the start of the Bible's most pivotal events.
TRV