αὔριον

tomorrow

Definition

The Greek word αὔριον means 'tomorrow' in the most literal sense, referring to the day following the present one. In the New Testament, it is used both for simple chronological reference (e.g., Luke 10:35, where the Samaritan promises to repay expenses 'tomorrow') and, more significantly, within teachings about anxiety and divine providence. In Matthew 6:34, Jesus commands, 'Do not worry about tomorrow,' using the word to represent the uncertain future about which humans are prone to anxious thought. In a different context, in Luke 13:32-33, Jesus uses 'tomorrow' (and 'the third day') metaphorically to describe the divinely appointed timeline of His ministry and suffering.

Biblical Usage

αὔριον appears 14 times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels (Matthew, Luke) and Acts. Its usage falls into two main patterns: practical, logistical statements about plans for the next day (Acts 4:3, 5) and profound teachings by Jesus on reliance on God. In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 6:30, 34) and similar teachings (Luke 12:28), Jesus contrasts worry about 'tomorrow' with trust in the Father's care, establishing a key spiritual principle. The word is never used in a prophetic or eschatological sense for a distant 'tomorrow.'

Etymology

Derived from the ancient Greek adverb αὔριον, meaning 'tomorrow' or 'in the morning.' It is related to the adjective αὔριος ('of tomorrow') and shares an Indo-European root with Latin *cras* ('tomorrow'), indicating a common concept. Its meaning remained stable from classical through Koine Greek, consistently denoting the immediate future day.

Semantic Range

αὔριον is theologically significant as the object of Jesus's command against anxiety in Matthew 6:34. It encapsulates human concern for the uncertain future, which Jesus contrasts with God's faithful, daily provision ('each day has enough trouble of its own'). Understanding this Greek term highlights that the command is not about irresponsible planning but about transferring the burden of future uncertainty from our shoulders to God's, a cornerstone of Christian trust and discipleship. It underscores a present-focused faith rooted in God's sovereignty.

In the ancient Mediterranean context, 'tomorrow' represented a far greater uncertainty than in the modern, industrialized world. Without reliable long-term forecasting, secure food preservation, or instant communication, planning for the next day was often tentative. This cultural reality of fragility and limited control makes Jesus's command to not worry about 'tomorrow' particularly poignant and radical, challenging a fundamental human anxiety in that setting.

ἐπιοῦσα (epiousa, G1887) — The feminine participle meaning 'the following' or 'next,' used specifically with 'day' (ἡμέρᾳ) to mean 'the next day' (e.g., Acts 7:26, 16:11). αὔριον is the standalone adverb for 'tomorrow.'

Word Details

Scripture References