ἐπιφώσκω

I dawn, am near commencing

Definition

The verb ἐπιφώσκω means 'to dawn' or 'to begin to grow light,' describing the first light of daybreak. In its two New Testament occurrences, it refers literally to the time just before or at sunrise. In Matthew 28:1, it describes the dawn of the first day of the week when the women went to Jesus' tomb. In Luke 23:54, it marks the onset of the Sabbath as Friday evening was 'drawing on' or beginning to dawn, using the term for the start of a new day at sunset in Jewish reckoning. The word conveys the idea of light breaking in upon darkness, signaling a transition.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, both in the Gospels to denote a specific time of day. In Matthew 28:1, it is used with 'ὄρθρου' (early) to specify the dawn when the women visited the tomb after the Sabbath. In Luke 23:54, it describes the time just before the Sabbath began (at sunset). Both uses are temporal markers in narrative contexts, anchoring significant events—the burial and resurrection of Jesus—to the literal dawning of a new day.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐπί (epi, meaning 'upon' or 'over') and the verb φώσκω (phōskō, a poetic form related to φῶς, phōs, 'light'). The compound suggests light shining upon or over something, hence the sense of 'dawn' as light spreads over the landscape. It is related to other light-words like φωστήρ (phōstēr, 'light-bearer') and φωτισμός (phōtismos, 'illumination').

Semantic Range

Though used only twice, ἐπιφώσκω carries theological weight by framing the resurrection narrative. In Matthew 28:1, the dawning light coincides with the discovery of the empty tomb, symbolizing the victory of Christ over death and the dawn of a new creation. In Luke 23:54, the 'drawing on' of the Sabbath highlights the fulfillment of redemption through Jesus' burial, as the day of rest begins. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by emphasizing God's timing—key events unfold at the break of day, linking physical light to spiritual revelation and hope.

In the ancient world, time was often marked by natural light. Dawn was a significant daily transition, ending the danger and inactivity of night. Jewish timekeeping considered a day to begin at sunset, so Luke's use for the 'drawing on' of the Sabbath (Luke 23:54) reflects this cultural understanding of evening as the start of a new day. This differs from modern Western time, where days begin at midnight.

αὐγάζω (augazō, G826) — to shine forth, often of daylight breaking; διαυγάζω (diaugazō, G1306) — to dawn or grow bright; ἐπιφαύσκω (epiphauskō, G2017) — a variant form with the same meaning of dawning.

Word Details

Scripture References