### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek adverb G5504 (χθές, *chthés*) primarily denotes the temporal concept of "yesterday." Its base definition, as provided, indicates an uncertain etymological derivation, yet its meaning is consistently clear in ancient Greek usage. Beyond its literal sense, χθές extends semantically to encompass "in time past" or "hitherto." This broader application allows the word to refer not just to the immediate preceding day, but to any prior period, thereby functioning as a general marker for the past. It serves as a temporal anchor, distinguishing a prior state or event from the present.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G5504 appears sparingly in the New Testament, but its occurrences are significant, particularly one instance that elevates its meaning beyond simple temporality.
1. **Literal "Yesterday":** In [[John 4:52]], the father of the sick boy asks his servants "the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him." Here, χθές functions in its most straightforward sense, referring to the day immediately preceding the conversation. Similarly, in [[Acts 7:28]], Stephen, recounting the history of Israel, quotes Pharaoh's question to Moses: "Will you kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?" This usage also points to a specific past event, the day before the present interaction. These instances underscore the word's capacity to precisely locate an event in the recent past.
2. **Extended "Past" / Timelessness:** The most profound use of χθές is found in [[Hebrews 13:8]]: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." In this pivotal theological statement, χθές transcends its literal meaning of a single day. Paired with "today" (σήμερον, `{{G4594}}`) and "forever" (εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας, `{{G165}}`), it signifies the entirety of the past, emphasizing Christ's eternal immutability. It does not suggest that Christ was different two days ago, but rather that His nature and character are unchanging through all time, from the beginning of creation and prior, throughout history, and into eternity. This usage is crucial for understanding the constancy of the divine.
### Related Words & Concepts
The temporal nature of χθές naturally connects it to other adverbs of time and concepts of duration.
* **σήμερον (sēmeron, `{{G4594}}`)**: "Today." This word is frequently contrasted with χθές, as seen explicitly in [[Hebrews 13:8]], highlighting the present moment against the backdrop of the past.
* **αὔριον (aurion, `{{G839}}`)**: "Tomorrow." Completing the temporal triad, "tomorrow" signifies the future, providing a full chronological spectrum when considered alongside "yesterday" and "today."
* **αἰών (aiōn, `{{G165}}`) / αἰώνιος (aiōnios, `{{G166}}`)**: "Age" / "eternal." These terms denote long periods or eternity, particularly relevant when χθές is used in the context of timelessness, as in [[Hebrews 13:8]]. The pairing with "forever" (εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας, literally "into the ages") powerfully extends the temporal scope of χθές from a single day to the vastness of eternity.
* **Immutability**: The concept of unchanging nature, particularly applied to God and Christ, is profoundly linked to the extended meaning of χθές in [[Hebrews 13:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of χθές is overwhelmingly concentrated in [[Hebrews 13:8]]. This verse proclaims the absolute immutability of Jesus Christ. By stating that He is "the same yesterday and today and forever," the author of Hebrews asserts a foundational truth about His divine nature.
* **Constancy of Character and Work**: Christ's "yesterday" signifies His pre-existence, His work in the Old Covenant, His earthly ministry, and His atoning death. His being "the same" means His character, His promises, His power, and His saving work are eternally consistent. What He was, He is, and He will be. This provides immense assurance to believers, emphasizing the reliability and trustworthiness of their Savior.
* **Foundation for Faith**: In a world of constant change and uncertainty, [[Hebrews 13:8]] offers a steadfast anchor. The immutability of Christ, underscored by χθές, means that the object of our faith is unwavering. The efficacy of His sacrifice, the truth of His teachings, and the power of His resurrection are not subject to the vicissitudes of time or human understanding.
* **Continuity of Salvation History**: χθές in this context bridges the past (Old Covenant, Christ's earthly life) with the present (the Church age) and the future (His return and eternal reign). It affirms a seamless divine plan orchestrated by an unchanging Lord.
### Summary
G5504 (χθές) fundamentally means "yesterday," serving as a precise temporal marker for the immediate past, as seen in [[John 4:52]] and [[Acts 7:28]]. However, its most profound and theologically significant usage occurs in [[Hebrews 13:8]], where it transcends a literal day to represent the entire past. In this context, χθές contributes to the declaration of Jesus Christ's eternal immutability, asserting His unchanging nature across all time—past, present, and future. This theological truth provides a steadfast foundation for Christian faith, assuring believers of the constant character, reliable promises, and enduring power of their Lord.
TRV