πρωΐ (prōi)
prōi
early
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adverb prōi simply means "in the morning" or "early." It appears twelve times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and John. The word serves as a straightforward temporal marker, anchoring events to the first part of the day rather than conveying complex theological nuance.
Its usage often highlights the diligence or urgency of its subjects. For instance, Mark 1:35 notes that Jesus rose prōi to pray, while Mark 11:20 describes the disciples seeing the withered fig tree early in the morning. In John 20:1, Mary Magdalene visits the tomb prōi while it is still dark, a detail that underscores the quiet intensity of the resurrection narrative.
Etymologically, the term derives from the root for "first," linking it to concepts of priority or beginning. In the Septuagint, it frequently translates the Hebrew boker, maintaining this sense of early daylight hours. Translators consistently render it as "early" or "in the morning," preserving its function as a clear indicator of time without adding interpretive weight.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word prōi anchors us to the quiet hours before the day’s noise begins. In Scripture, this simple marker of time often reveals a heart set on priority. Jesus rose early to pray in solitude, showing that communion with the Father takes precedence over the demands of ministry. When we pause at the start of our own mornings, we join a rhythm of seeking God’s face before tackling tasks.
Yet prōi also marks moments of profound discovery. Mary Magdalene went to the tomb while it was still dark, driven by love and loyalty. Her early visit led to the first encounter with the risen Lord. This reminds us that faithfulness in small, unseen moments often precedes great spiritual breakthroughs. The morning light brings clarity, but the early steps are taken in trust.
Whether we are hiring laborers or watching for a master’s return, this word invites us to live with intentionality. It suggests that how we begin our day shapes the rest of it. By starting with prayer or reflection, we align our hearts with God’s timing rather than our own urgency.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- early3×
- morning2×
- in the morning2×
- very early1×
- morning;1×
- in the morning;1×
- early.1×
- Early1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πρωῒ9×
- πρωΐ·2×
- πρωΐ.1×
Key Verses
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Mark 1:35
Early in the morning, while it was still dark, he rose up and went out, and departed into a deserted place, and prayed there.
This verse highlights Jesus’ habit of prioritizing solitary prayer before engaging with the crowds, establishing a pattern for spiritual discipline.
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John 20:1
Now on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene went early, while it was still dark, to the tomb, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb.
Mary’s early visit to the tomb while it was still dark underscores her devotion and sets the stage for the resurrection appearance.
-
Mark 16:2
Very early on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen.
The women arriving very early on the first day of the week marks the pivotal moment of discovering the empty tomb at sunrise.
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Matthew 20:1
“For the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who was the master of a household, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.
The master going out early to hire laborers illustrates God’s initiative in seeking workers for His kingdom from the start of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does πρωΐ (prōi) mean in the New Testament?
Why is πρωΐ significant in Mark 1:35?
How is πρωΐ different from other words for 'morning'?
Where else does this word appear in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (12 verses across 4 books)
Matthew 3 verses
In the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to…
Matthew 20:1“For the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who was the master of a household, who went out early in the morning to hire…
Matthew 21:18Now in the morning, as he returned to the city, he was hungry.