The meaning of “ἡμέρα”
Understanding hēméra reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
feminine (with ὥρα implied) of a derivative of (to sit; akin to the base of ἑδραῖος) meaning tame, i.e. gentle age, + al...
ἡμέρα
feminine (with ὥρα implied) of a derivative of (to sit; akin to the base of ἑδραῖος) meaning tame, i.e. gentle age, + alway, (mid-)day (by day, (-ly)), + for ever, judgment, (day) time, while, years. - day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the Jews as inclusive of the parts of both extremes) - figuratively, a period (always defined more or less clearly by the context)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 20:12 | “Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.” Word: ἡμέρα (hēméra) | |
| Acts 16:5 | “And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.” Word: ἡμέρα (hēméra) | |
| Galatians 4:10 | “Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.” Word: ἡμέρα (hēméra) | |
| 1 Thessalonians 5:4 | “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.” Word: ἡμέρα (hēméra) | |
| Hebrews 8:8 | “For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah:” Word: ἡμέρα (hēméra) |