Day
Summary
The basic unit of time measurement in Scripture, used both literally for a period of light or a 24-hour cycle, and figuratively for various epochs and divine appointments.
☩Reckoning of the Day
The Hebrew civil day began at sunset and ended at the following sunset, as indicated by the phrase 'the evening and the morning' in the creation account and the instruction to observe the Sabbath 'from even unto even.' This differed from the Babylonians, who reckoned from sunrise, and the Romans, who counted from midnight. The natural day was divided into morning, noon, and evening, while after contact with Babylon the Jews learned to divide it into twelve hours of varying length depending on the season.
☩Parts of the Day
Scripture mentions several divisions of the natural day: dawn or daybreak when the eastern horizon brightens; sunrise; 'the heat of the day' around mid-morning; noon or 'the two noons'; 'the cool of the day' in late afternoon; and evening, divided into early and late portions. The Jews observed set times of prayer at the third, sixth, and ninth hours. A 'day's journey' was reckoned at eighteen to twenty miles, while a 'Sabbath day's journey' was limited to about two thousand cubits.
☩The Day of the Lord
Scripture frequently uses 'day' to denote times of divine judgment or intervention, particularly 'the Day of the Lord.' This phrase appears throughout the prophets referring to times of adversity and divine reckoning, whether the fall of nations or the final judgment. In the New Testament, it encompasses Christ's appearing, His judgment, and the consummation of all things. The 'day of Christ' and 'day of Jesus Christ' similarly point to His triumphant return.
☩Figurative Uses
The word 'day' carries rich figurative meaning in Scripture. It represents opportunity for service, as Jesus said, 'I must work the works of Him who sent me while it is day.' Believers are called 'children of the day' in contrast to those in spiritual darkness. With God, time is measured differently—'one day is as a thousand years'—suggesting that the creative 'days' of Genesis may represent extended periods rather than literal 24-hour cycles.
Related Verses2257 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Day," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Day," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Day," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 4.George Morrish, "Day," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 5.James Hastings (ed.), "Day," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).