νυχθήμερον (nuchthēmeron)
nuchthēmeron
a night and a day
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun nuchthēmeron denotes a period lasting a night and a day, effectively meaning twenty-four hours. It is formed by combining the words for night (nyx) and day (hēmera), creating a compound term that emphasizes the full cycle of time rather than just daylight or darkness alone.
This word appears only once in the New Testament, found in 2 Corinthians 11:25. Paul uses it to describe one of his many hardships, noting that he was "a day and a night" in the deep sea after a shipwreck. The specific phrasing highlights the totality of his ordeal, covering both the perilous darkness of the night and the exposure of the day.
By choosing this compound term instead of simpler words for time, Paul underscores the continuous nature of his suffering. It serves as a stark illustration of endurance, marking a complete rotation of time spent in distress rather than a fragmented or partial experience.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word nuchthēmeron combines 'night' and 'day' to describe a full twenty-four hour cycle. It appears only once in the New Testament, in 2 Corinthians 11:25. Paul uses it to recount being cast into the deep sea for a complete day and night. This specific phrasing highlights the totality of his suffering, covering both the darkness of night and the exposure of daylight.
When life feels endless or overwhelming, this word reminds us that time moves forward. Even in the deepest distress, a full cycle completes itself. God’s presence does not disappear during the dark hours, nor does He withdraw when the sun rises. We are held through every moment of transition.
This compound term underscores the continuous nature of Paul’s ordeal. It is not a fragmented experience but a whole rotation of time spent in trial. Yet, he survived. This offers hope that no season of hardship lasts forever. You are carried through the night and into the day by His faithful care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a night and a day1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- νυχθήμερον1×
Key Verses
-
II Corinthians 11:25
Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I suffered shipwreck. I have been a night and a day in the deep.
Paul uses this unique compound noun to emphasize that his time in the deep sea covered a complete, unbroken cycle of twenty-four hours.