ἐπαύριον

tomorrow

Definition

The Greek word ἐπαύριον means 'the next day' or 'tomorrow.' It consistently refers to the day immediately following the current day, with no extended or metaphorical meanings. In the New Testament, it is used to mark chronological sequence in narratives, such as in John 1:29, 35, and 43, where it structures the events of consecutive days. It also appears in contexts of planning or anticipation, as in Acts 10:9, where Peter goes to pray 'the next day.'

Biblical Usage

ἐπαύριον is used 17 times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, John) and Acts. It functions as a straightforward temporal marker to advance a story. A pattern is its frequent use in the Gospel of John to sequence events (e.g., John 1:29, 35, 43). It also appears in narrative accounts of plans or actions set for the following day, such as the chief priests and Pharisees securing the tomb 'the next day' in Matthew 27:62.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek preposition ἐπί (epi, meaning 'upon' or 'at') and the noun αὔριον (aurion, meaning 'tomorrow'). Thus, it literally means 'upon the morrow.' It is a standard, uncomplicated term for the following day, with its root αὔριον also appearing in the New Testament (e.g., James 4:13).

Semantic Range

In the ancient Mediterranean world, the concept of 'tomorrow' was often viewed with uncertainty and reliance on divine providence, as reflected in teachings like James 4:13-15. While ἐπαύριón itself is a neutral time indicator, its usage in biblical narratives can subtly underscore themes of human plans unfolding within God's sovereign timing, especially in the sequenced revelations in John's Gospel.

αὔριον (aurion, G839) — The simpler, more direct word for 'tomorrow,' used in exhortations or proverbial sayings (e.g., Matthew 6:34, James 4:13).

Word Details

Scripture References