neuter (as adverb) of a presumed compound of the article ὁ (t changed to s) and ἡμέρα; on the (i.e. this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e. at present, hitherto):--this (to-)day.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb σήμερον (sḗmeron), Strong's number `{{G4594}}`, is a compound word derived from the article ὁ (or more precisely, the dative feminine singular τῇ from ὁ, with the τ assimilating to σ before ἡμέρα) and the noun ἡμέρα (hēmera), meaning "day" `{{G2250}}`. Its most direct and literal meaning is "on this day" or "today."
Semantically, σήμερον functions as a temporal adverb, indicating the present day. Its range can extend to:
1. **The current calendrical day:** As in "this day" or "today."
2. **The immediate past:** Sometimes encompassing the night just passed, or the period immediately preceding the current moment.
3. **The present moment more broadly:** Functioning similarly to "now" or "at present," emphasizing immediacy and the current reality, often with an implied sense of urgency or significance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
σήμερον appears frequently in the New Testament, carrying significant weight in various contexts:
* **Divine Provision:** In the Lord's Prayer, the petition "Give us σήμερον our daily bread" ([[Matthew 6:11]], [[Luke 11:3]]) underscores a daily reliance on God for sustenance. It highlights God's ongoing, present provision and encourages a trust that looks to Him for immediate needs.
* **Immediate Salvation/Fulfillment:** Jesus uses σήμερον to declare the present reality of God's kingdom and salvation. To Zacchaeus, He proclaims, "σήμερον salvation has come to this house" ([[Luke 19:9]]), signifying an immediate, realized spiritual transformation. On the cross, His promise to the repentant thief, "σήμερον you will be with me in Paradise" ([[Luke 23:43]]), underscores the immediacy of divine grace and the blessed state of the redeemed.
* **Urgency of Response:** The phrase "σήμερον, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts" is a recurring exhortation in Hebrews ([[Hebrews 3:7]], [[Hebrews 3:13]], [[Hebrews 3:15]], [[Hebrews 4:7]]), directly quoting Psalm 95:7-8. This emphasizes that the present moment is the critical time for obedience and faith, warning against procrastination in responding to God's call. The opportunity for repentance and belief is σήμερον, not tomorrow.
* **Christ's Exaltation/Sonship:** The declaration "σήμερον I have begotten you" (from Psalm 2:7) is applied to Christ in relation to His resurrection and exaltation ([[Acts 13:33]], [[Hebrews 1:5]], [[Hebrews 5:5]]). This σήμερον refers to a specific, decisive moment in redemptive history when Christ's divine Sonship was powerfully demonstrated and affirmed through His victory over death.
* **Proclamation and Witness:** Paul recounts his defense before Agrippa, stating, "I stand σήμερον on trial" ([[Acts 26:2]]). Here, σήμερον simply denotes the current day of his legal proceedings, yet it carries the implicit weight of the opportunity to bear witness to the Gospel.
### Related Words & Concepts
σήμερον is intrinsically linked to ἡμέρα (hēmera - day) `{{G2250}}`, its linguistic root. While σήμερον specifies "this day," other temporal adverbs and nouns provide contrast and nuance:
* νῦν (nyn - now) `{{G3568}}`: Often interchangeable with σήμερον in conveying immediacy, but νῦν is more general "now," while σήμερον is specifically "today."
* χθές (chthes - yesterday) `{{G5507}}`: The direct temporal opposite, highlighting the past.
* αὔριον (aurion - tomorrow) `{{G839}}`: The direct temporal opposite, highlighting the future, often contrasted with σήμερον to emphasize the uncertainty of what lies ahead (cf. [[James 4:13-14]]).
* καιρός (kairos - opportune time, season) `{{G2540}}`: While σήμερον refers to a specific day, καιρός speaks of a divinely appointed or opportune time, often carrying a sense of urgency for action within that window. σήμερον can be seen as the specific καιρός for a particular divine action or human response.
The concept of "the present moment" is central, contrasting with past regrets or future anxieties, and focusing on the immediate call and provision of God.
### Theological Significance
The theological import of σήμερον is profound, shaping our understanding of God's nature and humanity's response:
* **The Urgency of God's Call:** The repeated exhortation in Hebrews to "hear his voice σήμερον" underscores that God's invitation to repentance and faith is always immediate. There is no guarantee of tomorrow, making the present moment the critical time for decision. To delay is to harden one's heart against divine grace.
* **The Reality of Present Salvation:** Jesus' declarations of "σήμερον salvation" or "σήμερον in Paradise" highlight the immediate, tangible reality of God's redemptive work. Salvation is not merely a future hope but a present experience, available to those who respond in faith. This counters any notion of a distant or delayed divine intervention, emphasizing that the kingdom of God is already breaking into human history.
* **Divine Faithfulness and Provision:** The prayer for "σήμερον our daily bread" reflects a theology of daily dependence and God's consistent, moment-by-moment faithfulness. It teaches believers to trust God for their immediate needs, recognizing His active involvement in their lives each day.
* **Christ's Present Reign:** The application of Psalm 2:7's "σήμερον I have begotten you" to Christ's resurrection and exaltation affirms His current, active reign and authority. It points to a decisive moment in history that established His present Lordship over all creation.
* **Human Responsibility:** The emphasis on σήμερον calls believers to live with intentionality in the present. It warns against complacency or presumption about the future, urging a constant awareness of God's presence and an active response to His will in the here and now.
### Summary
σήμερον (sḗmeron) `{{G4594}}` is a powerful Greek adverb meaning "today" or "on this day," derived from the article ὁ and ἡμέρα (day). Its usage in the New Testament transcends simple temporal reference, carrying significant theological weight. It profoundly emphasizes the **immediacy and urgency of God's call**, urging a present response to His voice and an avoidance of spiritual procrastination. It highlights the **present reality of salvation** and the **immediate availability of divine grace**, as exemplified by Jesus' declarations of "σήμερον salvation." Furthermore, σήμερον underscores **God's consistent, daily provision** for His people and affirms **Christ's present, active reign** stemming from His resurrection. In essence, σήμερον serves as a constant reminder that the present moment is the divinely appointed time for faith, obedience, and experiencing the fullness of God's kingdom.
TRV