ἡμιώριον (hēmiōrion)
hēmiōrion
half an hour
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun hēmiōrion refers to a specific duration of time: half an hour. It is a compound word formed from elements meaning "half" and "hour," creating a precise unit of measurement within the text.
This term appears only once in the New Testament, found in Revelation 8:1. The context describes a profound silence in heaven that lasts for this brief period before the seventh seal is opened. This single usage highlights how even short spans of time carry significant weight in apocalyptic literature.
Translators consistently render hēmiōrion as "half an hour," preserving the exactness of the original Greek. The word’s rarity underscores its function as a marker for a distinct, measured interval rather than a vague or indefinite period.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Revelation 8:1 records a striking moment where, after the sixth seal is broken, heaven falls silent for half an hour. This specific duration, denoted by the Greek word hēmiōrion, is not merely a gap in the narrative but a deliberate pause. In apocalyptic literature, such measured intervals signal that something profound is about to unfold. It reminds us that God’s timing is precise and intentional.
For your daily life, this brief silence can be a comfort. It suggests that even when circumstances seem still or uncertain, there is purpose in the waiting. You do not need to fill every moment with noise or activity. Instead, you can trust that God is working behind the scenes, preparing what comes next. This pause invites you to rest in His sovereignty rather than rushing ahead.
When life feels chaotic, remember this half-hour of heavenly silence. It points to a God who controls time and history. You are held in His care, even in the quiet moments. May you find peace in knowing that every second is known and ordered by Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- half an hour.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἡμιώριον.1×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 8:1
When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.
This verse uses hēmiōrion to mark a precise, solemn pause before the final judgments, emphasizing God's control over time.