ὀψέ (opse)
opse
late
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb opse means "late" or "in the evening," marking a specific time that is delayed or near the end of the day. In the New Testament, it appears only three times, consistently pointing to a late hour rather than a general duration. It serves as the opposite of early morning, anchoring events in the closing hours of daylight.
This word carries a sense of lateness that can imply urgency or transition. In Mark 11:11 and 13:35, it describes Jesus arriving at the temple late in the day and instructing his followers to stay awake until evening. The term also appears in Matthew 28:1, where it modifies the timing of the women visiting the tomb after the Sabbath had ended, highlighting the shift from rest to a new beginning.
Its usage reflects a practical understanding of daily life in the ancient world, where daylight dictated activity. By specifying "late," the text emphasizes that certain divine actions occur at the very edge of what is expected, often signaling a moment of significant change or revelation as day turns to night.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word opse marks the closing hours of the day, a time when light fades and activity slows. In the ancient world, this was not merely a clock reading but a shift in rhythm, signaling that the work of daylight had given way to rest or reflection. It carries a quiet weight, reminding us that God’s timing often unfolds at the edges of our expectations.
Jesus used this concept to teach vigilance. In Mark 13:35, He urges His followers to stay awake, knowing the master returns at evening or midnight. This is not a call to fear, but to faithful readiness. Even in Matthew 28:1, as dawn breaks after the Sabbath, the women move toward the tomb with hope, showing that new beginnings often follow periods of waiting.
When life feels delayed or uncertain, remember that God is present in every hour. The transition from day to night does not mean abandonment; it means preparation for what comes next. Trust that His timing brings peace, even when the path ahead is still dark.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- evening1×
- at evening1×
- Late1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ὀψὲ2×
- Ὀψὲ1×
Key Verses
-
Mark 13:35
Watch therefore, for you don’t know when the lord of the house is coming—whether at evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning;
This verse uses the concept of evening to illustrate the unpredictability of Christ's return, urging believers to remain spiritually alert rather than resting in complacency.
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Matthew 28:1
Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.
Though translated as 'dawn,' this occurrence anchors the resurrection narrative in the transition from Sabbath rest to new life, marking a pivotal moment of divine intervention.
-
Mark 11:19
When evening came, he went out of the city.
Here, the timing of evening marks Jesus' departure from the temple area, highlighting a deliberate pause in His ministry before the final week of His passion.