ἑξῆς
next in order, the next day
Definition
The Greek word ἑξῆς (exēs) is an adverb meaning 'next in order' or 'the following day.' It denotes a sequence in time or narrative, pointing to what comes immediately after a previous event. In Luke 7:11, it refers to 'the next day' after Jesus healed the centurion's servant, while in Luke 9:37, it marks the day following the Transfiguration. In Acts, it can indicate the next leg of a journey (Acts 21:1) or the next day in a legal proceeding (Acts 25:17). Its core sense is sequential progression, whether in time or logical order.
Biblical Usage
ἑξῆς is used five times in the New Testament, exclusively in Luke and Acts, reflecting the author's attention to chronological and narrative sequence. In Luke's Gospel, it connects significant events (Luke 7:11, 9:37). In Acts, it structures travel narratives (Acts 21:1, 27:18) and legal proceedings (Acts 25:17). This consistent use highlights Luke's historical and orderly presentation of events, often transitioning between key episodes or days.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek verb ἔχω (echō, G2192), meaning 'to have' or 'to hold,' ἑξῆς literally conveys the idea of 'holding in succession' or 'following closely.' It is related to the adjective ἑξῆς meaning 'continuous' or 'successive.' The word emphasizes immediate sequence, reflecting a linear progression from one point to the next, whether in time, place, or narrative.
Semantic Range
In the Greco-Roman world, precise sequence was valued in historical writing and legal accounts, as seen in Luke-Acts. ἑξῆς reflects this cultural emphasis on orderly narration and chronology, distinguishing it from vague temporal markers. For modern readers, it underscores the intentionality behind Luke's presentation of events as historically grounded and logically connected, enhancing trust in the narrative's reliability.
εὐθύς (euthys, G2112) — emphasizes immediacy ('immediately, at once'), whereas ἑξῆς focuses on orderly sequence. μετὰ ταῦτα (meta tauta, G3326/5023) — a phrase meaning 'after these things,' often for broader temporal gaps, not necessarily the next immediate step.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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