Lexical Summary próia: Morning, early morning Original Word: πρωΐα Strong's Exhaustive Concordance early, morning. Feminine of a derivative of proi as noun; day-dawn -- early, morning. see GREEK proi NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfem. of próios (at early morning) Definition (early) morning. Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4405: πρωΐαπρωΐα, see πρώιος. STRONGS NT 4405: πρώιοςπρώιος (WH πρώιος), πρωΐα, πρωιον (πρωι<), early, pertaining to the morning (from Homer down); as a substantive ἡ πρωΐα (in full ἡ ὥρα ἡ πρωΐα, 3Macc. 5:24; (Diodorus, Josephus, others); see ὄψιος, 2), the Sept. several times for בֹּקֶר, morning: Matthew 27:1; John 18:28 Rec.; Strong’s Greek 4405, prōïas, designates the early hours of the morning, the span of time just after night has passed and before full daylight. While the term is sparse in the New Testament, it carries the rich biblical motif of new beginnings, transition from darkness to light, and readiness for decisive action. Biblical Occurrences • Matthew 27:1 records that “When morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people plotted against Jesus to put Him to death.” The dawn signals the moment when the religious leaders finalize their unlawful decision, setting in motion the climactic events of the crucifixion. Historical and Cultural Setting In first-century Judea, dawn was the customary time to begin civic and religious proceedings. Roman authorities opened courts at daybreak, and Jewish Temple services commenced with the morning sacrifice (Exodus 29:38–39). The timing of Matthew 27:1 aligns with this practice, emphasizing the leaders’ formal attempt to cloak injustice with procedural legitimacy. Fishermen such as Peter and his companions (John 21) typically labored through the night and sorted their catch at first light, explaining why Jesus’ shoreline appearance at dawn intersected their vocation. Theological Reflections 1. Contrast of Light and Darkness: The same hour that unveils the priests’ murderous intent (Matthew 27) also heralds the risen Lord’s restorative fellowship (John 21), underscoring Scripture’s unwavering portrayal of human sin juxtaposed with divine redemption. Implications for Christian Living and Ministry • Vigilance and Readiness: Believers are exhorted to “cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:12). The dawn setting of prōïas calls Christians to spiritual alertness and prompt obedience. Related Passages Psalm 30:5; Psalm 143:8; Isaiah 50:4; Mark 16:2; Luke 24:1. Each reinforces the motif that God’s deliverance, instruction, and resurrection power break forth “early in the morning,” inviting His people to live in the expectancy that accompanies prōïas. |
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