ἐπιοῦσα (epiousa)

The word epiousa is a Greek participle that simply means "the following" or "next," specifically referring to time. It functions as an adjective describing what comes after the current moment, most commonly translating to "the next day." Its root combines a prefix indicating motion toward with a verb meaning "to go," creating the sense of something approaching or arriving.

In the New Testament, this term appears five times, all within the book of Acts. It serves as a precise chronological marker in Luke’s historical narrative. For instance, it notes that Paul and his companions arrived at Troas on the "next day" (Acts 16:11) and that they sailed to Assos the following day (Acts 20:15). It also marks the timing of Paul’s arrival in Jerusalem for a meeting with the elders (Acts 21:18) and describes events happening after Stephen’s confrontation with his accusers (Acts 7:26).

While this specific form does not appear in the Lord’s Prayer, it shares a linguistic family with epiousios, the rare adjective used there for "daily" bread. However, epiousa itself is straightforward and practical. It provides clear temporal context without theological ambiguity, anchoring the narrative events of the early church in a concrete sequence of days.