Crusade BibleCrusade Bible

Hours

Summary

The ancient division of daytime and nighttime into twelve parts each, with hours varying in length according to season.

Day Hours

The Jews divided daylight into twelve hours (John 11:9), counted from sunrise (approximately 6 AM). Thus the 'third hour' was about 9 AM, the 'sixth hour' was noon, and the 'ninth hour' was about 3 PM. Jesus was crucified at the third hour (Mark 15:25), darkness covered the land from the sixth to ninth hour (Matthew 27:45-46), and He died at the ninth hour.

Night Hours

The night was similarly divided into hours or watches. Acts 23:23 mentions 'the third hour of the night' (9 PM). The Romans used four watches; Jews traditionally used three. Hours varied in length by season, being longer in summer days and shorter in winter.

Related Verses9 mentions

Matthew· 3 verses

Acts· 3 verses

Revelation· 2 verses

John· 1 verse