νύξ (nux)

The Greek noun nux simply means night, referring to the period of darkness between sunset and sunrise. In the New Testament, it appears sixty-two times across diverse genres, from the Gospel narratives to Paul’s letters and Revelation. While it most often denotes the literal time of day, its usage is grounded in the rhythm of daily life, marking when work ceases or when specific events unfold under cover of darkness.

Beyond its physical sense, nux carries significant metaphorical weight. Lexical sources note that it frequently symbolizes moral darkness, spiritual ignorance, or the time for sinful deeds. This figurative usage is evident in passages like John 9:4 and Romans 13:12, where night contrasts with the light of truth and righteousness. Paul also employs this imagery in 1 Thessalonians 5 to describe the unexpected nature of the Lord’s return, likening it to a thief coming in the night.

The word’s versatility is shown in its grammatical flexibility. It can function as a genitive of time ("by night"), as seen in Matthew 2:14 when Joseph flees to Egypt, or as an accusative of duration, such as in Luke 2:37 describing the widow’s continuous worship. This range allows the text to move seamlessly from historical detail to theological reflection, using the natural cycle of day and night to illuminate spiritual realities.