### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun hṓra (`{{G5610}}`) is a primary word with a versatile semantic range. Its most literal and common meaning is an "hour," understood as a specific division of the day (typically 1/12 of the daylight period, or a 60-minute segment). However, its usage extends far beyond this precise measurement. It can signify a broader "time," "season," or "period." Crucially, hṓra often denotes a particular, decisive "moment" or "occasion," especially one that is divinely appointed or of significant consequence. This can range from an "instant" to a "high time" or "even-tide," encompassing both brevity and a more extended, yet still specific, duration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Hṓra appears frequently in the New Testament, often reflecting its various shades of meaning:
1. **Literal Hour:** This usage is common in the Gospels and Acts, referring to specific times of day for events or activities. Examples include the third hour ([[Matthew 20:3]], [[Acts 2:15]]), the sixth hour ([[John 4:6]], [[Matthew 27:45]]), and the ninth hour ([[Matthew 27:45]], [[Acts 3:1]]). These references often anchor events within a specific temporal framework.
2. **General Time, Season, or Period:** Hṓra can denote a more indefinite "time" or "season." For instance, [[Luke 12:39]] speaks of knowing "at what hour the thief would come," referring to an unspecified but anticipated moment. Similarly, [[Revelation 18:10]] and [[Revelation 18:17]] describe Babylon's judgment as coming "in one hour," signifying swiftness and decisiveness rather than a literal 60-minute period.
3. **The Decisive/Appointed Moment ("The Hour"):** This is arguably the most theologically significant use of hṓra, particularly in John's Gospel. Here, "the hour" refers to the divinely appointed, climactic moment of Jesus' passion, death, and glorification.
* Initially, Jesus states, "My hour has not yet come" ([[John 2:4]], [[John 7:30]], [[John 8:20]]), indicating that His ministry and ultimate sacrifice would unfold according to the Father's perfect timing, not human will or demonic schemes.
* The turning point is marked by Jesus declaring, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified" ([[John 12:23]]). This signals the imminent beginning of His suffering and ultimate triumph.
* In the upper room, John records, "Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father" ([[John 13:1]]), underscoring the intentionality and divine orchestration of His sacrifice.
* Jesus' high priestly prayer begins with, "Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son" ([[John 17:1]]), confirming the arrival of this pivotal moment.
4. **Eschatological Hour:** Hṓra is frequently used in an eschatological context, referring to the "hour" of Christ's return or final judgment.
* Jesus warns His disciples about the unknown "hour" of His coming ([[Matthew 24:36]], [[Matthew 25:13]]), emphasizing the need for constant vigilance and readiness.
* In Revelation, "the hour of His judgment has come" ([[Revelation 14:7]]) signifies the appointed time for divine reckoning.
* The phrase "the hour is coming, and now is" ([[John 4:23]], [[John 5:25]]) highlights the breaking in of future spiritual realities into the present, such as true worship or the resurrection of the dead.
### Related Words & Concepts
Hṓra shares semantic space with other Greek words for time but possesses unique nuances:
* **`{{G5550}}` (*chronos*):** Refers to chronological, sequential time, often emphasizing duration or a span of time. Hṓra can be a specific segment within chronos.
* **`{{G2540}}` (*kairos*):** Denotes an opportune, fitting, or divinely appointed time, emphasizing the qualitative aspect of the moment. While hṓra can signify a decisive moment, kairos more strongly highlights the *rightness* or *opportunity* of that time. Often, a specific hṓra can be a kairos.
* **`{{G2250}}` (*hēmera*):** "Day," a larger unit of time, often composed of hours.
* **`{{G4746}}` (*stigme*):** "Point" or "instant," emphasizing extreme brevity, similar to how hṓra can sometimes mean "instant."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of hṓra is profound, particularly in its emphasis on divine sovereignty and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan:
1. **Divine Sovereignty over Redemptive History:** The recurring motif of "the hour" in John's Gospel powerfully demonstrates that Jesus' life, ministry, and especially His death were not accidental or subject to human control, but were meticulously orchestrated by the Father. God's timing is perfect and immutable, ensuring the fulfillment of His purposes.
2. **The Climax of Salvation:** "The hour" of Jesus' passion and glorification represents the pivotal moment in salvation history. It is the decisive hṓra when Christ's atoning work was accomplished, sin was defeated, and the path to eternal life was opened. It underscores the ultimate purpose of His incarnation.
3. **Eschatological Urgency and Vigilance:** The unknown "hour" of Christ's return serves as a constant call to believers for spiritual readiness, faithfulness, and watchful living. It reminds them that the Lord's coming will be sudden and unexpected, demanding a posture of preparedness rather than presumption.
4. **The Imminence and Certainty of Judgment:** The repeated phrase "in one hour" in Revelation concerning God's judgment highlights its swiftness, decisiveness, and inevitability. When the appointed hṓra for judgment arrives, it will be executed without delay or hesitation.
5. **The Present Reality of God's Kingdom:** Phrases like "the hour is coming, and now is" convey the truth that while the fullness of God's kingdom and eschatological blessings are yet to come, certain spiritual realities (e.g., true worship, resurrection life, hearing God's voice) are already breaking into the present, accessible to those who embrace faith in Christ.
### Summary
The Greek word hṓra (`{{G5610}}`) is a rich and dynamic term, signifying not only a literal "hour" but also a broader "time," "season," and most significantly, a divinely appointed, decisive "moment." Its usage, particularly in the Gospels, highlights God's absolute sovereignty over all of time, especially in orchestrating the precise "hour" of Jesus' passion and glorification—the pivotal event in salvation history. Furthermore, hṓra conveys the eschatological urgency for believers to live in constant readiness for the unknown "hour" of Christ's return, the swiftness of divine judgment, and the present reality of God's spiritual blessings already breaking into the current age. This multifaceted term underscores the profound theological significance of God's perfect timing in His unfolding redemptive plan.
TRV