ἐπιφώσκω
epiphōskō
to dawn
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word ἐπιφώσκω (epiphōskō) is a verb that means "to dawn." It is a term associated with the transition from darkness to light, specifically referring to the morning sunrise. With only two occurrences in the Bible, its usage is limited, but significant. The word's semantic domain of "Light & Darkness" highlights its connection to the fundamental human experience of day and night. Its meaning is straightforward, conveying the idea of a gradual increase in light as the night gives way to morning. This shift from darkness to light is a universal phenomenon that has been observed and described across cultures and throughout history. Given its limited occurrences, the significance of ἐπιφώσκω lies in its potential to convey a sense of hope, renewal, and new beginnings. In the context of the two biblical instances where it appears, it may serve to emphasize the idea of a fresh start or a turning point in time.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences across the text