What does 'noon' or 'noonday' mean in the Bible?

In the Bible, 'noon' or 'noonday' refers to the brightest part of the day, often associated with light, splendor, and the peak of daylight. The Hebrew word 'tsohorayim' and Greek 'mesembria' both convey this meaning of midday brightness (Genesis 43:16, 25).

Where is noon mentioned in the Bible?

Noon is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments. Key references include Joseph inviting his brothers to dine at noon (Genesis 43:16) and Paul's dramatic encounter with a bright light from heaven at noon on the road to Damascus (Acts 22:6).

Why is the concept of noon significant in scripture?

Noon is significant as it often marks a time of divine revelation, judgment, or important events. It symbolizes a moment of clarity or God's intervention, such as the blinding light Paul experienced, contrasting with darkness used to represent evil or ignorance (Psalm 91:6; Amos 8:9).

EncyclopediaNoon; Noonday

TheologyN

Noon; Noonday

Noon; Noonday noon, noon'-da (tsohorayim; mesembria): The word means light, splendor, brightness, and hence, the brightest part of the day (Ge 43:16,25; Ac 22:6). See also MIDDAY; DAY AND NIGHT; TIME.

Explore “Noon; Noonday” in Scripture

Search for this term across Bible translations in the Biblexika reader.

Open Bible Reader Back to Encyclopedia

Content compiled from public domain scholarship, academic sources, and verified references. Editorial standards · View all sources