πρωΐα (prōia)
prōia
early morning
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The word prōia refers to the early morning or daybreak. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, marking specific moments when Jesus interacts with his followers after a night has passed. This term captures the quiet time just as daylight begins to break.
It is used in Matthew 27:1 to describe when the chief priests and elders held counsel against Jesus, and in John 21:4 to note the morning when Jesus appeared to his disciples by the Sea of Galilee. The sources indicate it functions as a substantive noun, meaning "early morning," rather than just an adjective describing time.
Its root connects to the idea of being first or early. By using this specific term for these two events, the Gospel writers highlight moments of decision and revelation that occur at the start of a new day. The word itself carries no emotional weight, simply marking the transition from night to light in the narrative.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word πρωΐα points to the quiet hours just before full daylight breaks. It marks a transition from darkness into light, a time when the world is still and thoughts are clear. In Scripture, this specific moment often precedes significant events, reminding us that new beginnings frequently start in the stillness of early morning.
When we face uncertainty or long nights of waiting, this word offers a gentle promise: the dawn always comes. Just as Jesus appeared to His disciples at daybreak by the Sea of Galilee, God meets us in our own mornings, bringing clarity and presence after seasons of confusion or sorrow.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- When morning1×
- As morning1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πρωΐας1×
- Πρωΐας1×
Key Verses
-
John 21:4
But when day had already come, Jesus stood on the beach; yet the disciples didn’t know that it was Jesus.
This verse highlights Jesus appearing to His disciples at daybreak, showing how God brings revelation and comfort in the quiet transition from night to morning.
-
Matthew 27:1
Now when morning had come, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death.
Here the term marks a critical moment of decision by religious leaders, contrasting human plotting with the peace that comes from trusting God's timing.