δευτεραῖος

on the second day, on the next day

Definition

The adjective δευτεραῖος (deyteraios) means 'pertaining to the second day' or 'on the second day.' In its single New Testament occurrence, it functions adverbially to describe an event happening on the day following a previous action. It specifically denotes the second day of a journey or sequence, emphasizing a temporal progression. The word is used in Acts 28:13 to mark the next leg of Paul's sea voyage after a stop.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 28:13. It describes the travel itinerary of the apostle Paul and his companions as they sail from Syracuse to Rhegium: 'From there we circled round and reached Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew; and the next day [δευτεραῖοι] we came to Puteoli.' Its usage is purely narrative and chronological, serving to detail the progression of their journey without any special rhetorical or theological emphasis.

Etymology

Derived directly from the Greek ordinal number δεύτερος (deyteros, G1208), meaning 'second.' The suffix -αῖος (-aios) is a common adjectival ending meaning 'pertaining to.' Thus, δευτεραῖος literally means 'pertaining to the second' and, by extension, 'on the second day.' It is a straightforward temporal adjective formed from a common number root.

Semantic Range

In the ancient world, sea travel was heavily dependent on wind and weather. The specific notation of a 'second day' of sailing after a favorable wind arose (Acts 28:13) reflects the practical, day-by-day nature of such journeys. Marking time in this way was a standard method of narrative sequencing in historical accounts, similar to modern travel logs. There is no significant cultural nuance beyond this chronological function.

δεύτερος (deyteros, G1208) — The ordinal number 'second,' which is the root word. δευτεραῖος is the derived adjective specifying 'on the second day.'

Word Details

Scripture References