ἐφημερία (ephēmeria)
ephēmeria
division
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun ephēmeria refers to a specific division or course of priests assigned to temple service. In the Old Testament, it translates Hebrew terms for watchmen or shifts, describing a group responsible for duties during a set period. The New Testament retains this sense of organized rotation, particularly in Luke’s Gospel.
David established twenty-four such classes so that each would serve for a week at a time, from Sabbath to Sabbath. This system ensured orderly worship and shared responsibility among the priests. In Luke 1:5 and 1:8, Zechariah is identified as belonging to the division of Abijah, highlighting his specific role in this structured service.
The word emphasizes order and timing rather than individual status. It reflects a community where duty was distributed fairly across time. Translators often render it as "division" or "course," capturing its administrative nature. This term grounds spiritual service in practical organization, showing how ancient Israel managed sacred responsibilities through clear schedules.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ephēmeria describes a specific rotation or shift, particularly within the ancient temple’s priestly system. David organized twenty-four divisions so that each group served for a week at a time. This structure ensured that worship was continuous and responsibilities were shared fairly among many people rather than resting on just a few individuals.
In Luke 1:5, Zechariah is identified as belonging to the division of Abijah. This detail grounds his spiritual role in a concrete reality of order and timing. It reminds us that faithful service often involves showing up for our assigned duties within a larger community. God uses these practical arrangements to sustain His people.
Your own life likely has seasons of specific responsibility, much like those ancient shifts. Whether you are serving in your family, workplace, or church, there is value in fulfilling your part with integrity. This perspective helps us see our daily tasks not as burdens, but as meaningful contributions to a greater whole.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- division2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐφημερίας2×
Key Verses
-
Luke 1:5
There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the priestly division of Abijah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth.
This verse identifies Zechariah’s specific priestly division, establishing the historical context for his calling.
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Luke 1:8
Now while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his division
Here the word describes the orderly manner in which Zechariah performed his duties before God.