καθημερινός (kathēmerinos)
kathēmerinos
daily
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective kathēmerinos means "daily" or "day by day." It is formed from two simple parts: kata ("according to") and hēmera ("day"). This construction creates a precise sense of something happening every single day, without exception.
In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Acts 6:1. The text uses it to describe the daily distribution of food to widows in the early church. This specific usage highlights a practical, routine responsibility rather than a spiritual ritual or abstract concept.
Translators consistently render kathēmerinos as "daily." Because the word is so rare in Scripture, its meaning remains straightforward and literal. It points to the regular, everyday needs of people within the community.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kathēmerinos points to the rhythm of ordinary life. In Acts 6:1, it describes the daily distribution of food to widows. This shows that faith is not only found in grand miracles or Sunday worship but also in the consistent care for those who are vulnerable.
God’s love often appears in these small, repeated acts of service. When we meet the regular needs of others, we reflect His faithful character. This word reminds us that spiritual life includes practical attention to our neighbors’ everyday struggles.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- daily1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- καθημερινῇ1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 6:1
Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose from the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily service.
This occurrence highlights how the early church addressed practical, routine needs through organized daily service rather than abstract charity.