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ὀψία (opsia)

opsia

evening

G3798 · Greek · New Testament · 15 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
15 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The adjective opsios describes something that is late or occurring in the evening. In the New Testament, it most frequently functions as a substantive noun meaning "evening," marking the end of the day’s labor and the transition into night. This usage appears across the Gospels, particularly in Matthew, Mark, and John, where it anchors narrative events to specific times.

Lexical sources indicate that opsios often implies a time from roughly three o'clock in the afternoon until dusk or early night. It is not merely a general reference to darkness but points to the late hours of daylight. For instance, Matthew 14:23 notes that Jesus withdrew to pray alone while it was already evening, and Mark 1:32 records that many were brought to him at sunset, when the Sabbath ended.

The word derives from a root meaning "late," emphasizing delay or the latter part of a cycle. Its theological weight lies in its consistency: whether describing Jesus calming a storm (Mark 4:35) or Judas betraying Him (John 13:30), opsia signals a pivotal moment where divine action intersects with human history at day’s close.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word opsia marks the quiet shift from day’s labor into night. In the Gospels it anchors stories to a specific time, often when people are tired or uncertain. Jesus meets crowds at sunset (Mark 1:32) and withdraws to pray alone as darkness falls (Matthew 14:23). This rhythm reminds us that God is present in the closing hours, not just the busy morning.

Evening can feel like an ending, but Scripture shows it often brings new beginnings. Jesus walks on water after evening comes (Mark 6:47) and appears to locked doors on the first day of the week (John 20:19). The word invites us to trust that God’s work continues when our strength fades. We can rest in His presence as the day ends, knowing He holds tomorrow.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 15 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • Evening4×
  • when evening3×
  • evening3×
  • When evening3×
  • when late [evening]1×
  • As evening1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • Ὀψίας7×
  • ὀψίας7×
  • ὀψία1×

Key Verses

  • Mark 1:32
    At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to him all who were sick and those who were possessed by demons.

    This verse shows Jesus healing many at sunset, marking the end of the Sabbath and demonstrating His compassion during a time of transition.

  • Matthew 14:23
    After he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain by himself to pray. When evening had come, he was there alone.

    Here, evening signals Jesus’ need for solitude in prayer, highlighting the importance of seeking God alone after serving others.

  • John 20:19
    When therefore it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were locked where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the middle and said to them, “Peace be to you.”

    Jesus appears to fearful disciples on the first day of the week at evening, bringing peace into a moment of deep uncertainty and fear.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Greek word opsia mean?

Opsia means evening or late in the day. It refers to the time from afternoon until dusk, often marking the end of daily work. In the New Testament, it anchors events to a specific hour, showing when Jesus acted or rested.

How is opsia different from other words for night?

While other words refer to full darkness, opsia points to the late daylight hours. It captures the transition period when day ends and night begins. This distinction matters because many Gospel events happen during this twilight time.

Why does the New Testament mention evening so often?

Evening marked the end of the Jewish workday and the start of rest. It was a natural time for gathering, healing, or prayer. The Gospels use it to show Jesus meeting people in their daily rhythms, bringing comfort as days closed.

Every Occurrence (15 verses across 3 books)

Matthew 7 verses
Matthew 8:16

When evening came, they brought to him many possessed with demons. He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all…

Matthew 14:15

When evening had come, his disciples came to him, saying, “This place is deserted, and the hour is already late. Send…

Matthew 14:23

After he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into the mountain by himself to pray. When evening had come, he was…

Matthew 16:2

But he answered them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.’

Matthew 20:8

“When evening had come, the lord of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages,…

Matthew 26:20

Now when evening had come, he was reclining at the table with the twelve disciples.

Matthew 27:57

When evening had come, a rich man from Arimathaea named Joseph, who himself was also Jesus’ disciple, came.

Mark 6 verses
John 2 verses