Lexical Summary epaurion: The next day, on the morrow Original Word: ἐπαύριον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance day following, tomorrow, next dayFrom epi and aurion; occurring on the succeeding day, i.e. (hemera being implied) to-morrow -- day following, morrow, next day (after). see GREEK epi see GREEK aurion see GREEK hemera NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epi and aurion Definition on the next day NASB Translation day (1), following day (1), next day (16). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1887: ἐπαύριονἐπαύριον, adverb of time, equivalent to ἐπ' αὔριον, on the morrow; in the N. T. τῇ ἐπαύριον, namely, ἡμέρα, the next day, on the morrow: Matthew 27:62; Mark 11:12; John 1:29; Acts 10:9, etc.; the Sept. for חרָת. Topical Lexicon Overview The phrase translated “the next day” occurs seventeen times in the Greek New Testament and functions as a divinely inspired time–marker that links one scene to the next. It underscores the orderly unfolding of redemptive history, highlights the credibility of eyewitness testimony, and invites believers to trust the providential pacing of God’s work from one day to another. Chronology and Scriptural Reliability Each occurrence roots the narrative in real time, demonstrating that biblical events are not mythical abstractions but historically anchored episodes. Whether detailing the burial precautions made by Jerusalem’s leaders (Matthew 27:62) or the legal proceedings surrounding Paul (Acts 22:30), the phrase assures readers that God’s acts are verifiable, sequential, and purposeful. Gospel Usage • Matthew 27:62—By situating the request for a guard “the next day, the one after Preparation Day,” Matthew strengthens the testimony to the Resurrection. The murderous intent of the leaders is exposed, yet the time stamp also assures that the tomb was sealed before the third day, eliminating later allegations of body theft. • Mark 11:12—Placed immediately after the triumphal entry, the notice “The next day, when they had left Bethany, Jesus was hungry” frames the cursing of the fig tree. The temporal link ties the unfruitful tree to the unfruitful temple, a prophetic indictment delivered in two connected days. Johannine Progression: Rising Revelation John clusters five occurrences into two pivotal sections, each revealing Christ more clearly. 1. John 1:29, 35, 43—Three successive “next days” carry the reader from the Baptist’s first proclamation to the initial calling of disciples. Day by day, Jesus is identified as “the Lamb of God,” followed as “Rabbi,” and finally obeyed as “Messiah,” demonstrating an intentional, escalating disclosure of His identity. 2. John 6:22; 12:12—After the feeding of the five thousand, “the next day” ushers in the Bread of Life discourse (John 6:22), revealing a deeper spiritual meaning behind the miracle. Similarly, “the next day” in John 12:12 brings the crowd to welcome the King riding on a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy at the appointed hour. Acts: The Missionary Calendar • Cornelius Narrative (Acts 10:9, 23, 24)—Three successive references trace the synchronized movements of Peter and Cornelius. The Spirit orchestrates both men’s schedules so that the Gospel reaches the Gentiles in Caesarea “the following day,” displaying divine coordination across human agendas. • First Missionary Journey (Acts 14:20)—After Paul is stoned in Lystra, “the next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe.” The phrase signals resilience; ministry advances immediately after persecution. • Troas Gathering (Acts 20:7)—“Since Paul intended to leave the next day, he kept on speaking until midnight.” The statement validates the early Christian practice of Lord’s Day assembly and displays apostolic urgency. • Caesarea and the Trials of Paul (Acts 21:8; 22:30; 23:32; 25:6; 25:23)—Five references chronicle Paul’s movements from Jerusalem to Caesarea to the courtroom of Festus and Agrippa. The repeated dating shows that God rules over courts and governors, moving His servant toward Rome in a measured cadence. Ministry Insights 1. Divine Timing—These verses teach that God ordains both the miraculous and the mundane. The ordinary “next day” becomes the stage for extraordinary grace, whether the revelation of Jesus as the Lamb of God or the outpouring of the Spirit on the Gentiles. Eschatological Echo While the phrase speaks of immediate tomorrows, it quietly foreshadows the ultimate “day” when God’s plan reaches consummation. Just as events moved inexorably toward the Resurrection and the outpouring of the Gospel to the nations, so history advances toward Christ’s return, every next day drawing nearer to that blessed hope. Practical Application • Personal Devotion—Keeping a spiritual journal that notes “next day” mercies fosters gratitude and attentiveness to God’s unfolding guidance. Summary “The next day” is far more than a chronological marker. It is a literary thread weaving together prophecy, fulfillment, mission, and providence. Each occurrence points to a God who orders history with precision, leads His people with purpose, and turns ordinary tomorrows into arenas of eternal significance. Forms and Transliterations επαυριον επαύριον ἐπαύριον epaurion epaúrionLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 27:62 AdvGRK: Τῇ δὲ ἐπαύριον ἥτις ἐστὶν NAS: Now on the next day, the day after KJV: Now the next day, that followed INT: and [the] next day which is Mark 11:12 Adv John 1:29 Adv John 1:35 Adv John 1:43 Adv John 6:22 Adv John 12:12 Adv Acts 10:9 Adv Acts 10:23 Adv Acts 10:24 Adv Acts 14:20 Adv Acts 20:7 Adv Acts 21:8 Adv Acts 22:30 Adv Acts 23:32 Adv Acts 25:6 Adv Acts 25:23 Adv |
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