"to dawn, Mt. 28:1; hence, used of the reckoned commencement of the day, to be near commencing, to dawn on, Lk. 23:54*"
Definition and meaning
to dawn, Mt. 28:1; hence, used of the reckoned commencement of the day, to be near commencing, to dawn on, Lk. 23:54*
In the original Greek the word is written: ἐπιφώσκω
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of epiphosko (G2020) across the King James Bible.
In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.
And that day was the preparation, and the sabbath drew on.
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Common questions
Strong's G2020 (epiphosko) is a Greek word that means: to dawn, Mt. 28:1; hence, used of the reckoned commencement of the day, to be near commencing, to dawn on, Lk. 23:54* It appears 2 times in the King James Bible.
The word epiphosko (G2020) appears 2 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G2020 is epiphosko, a Greek word defined as: to dawn, Mt. 28:1; hence, used of the reckoned commencement of the day, to be near commencing, to dawn on, Lk. 23:54*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
epiphosko is a Greek word found in the New Testament.