Original Word: ἐφημερία
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: ephémeria
Pronunciation: ef-ay-mer-ee'-ah
Phonetic Spelling: (ef-ay-mer-ee'-ah)
KJV: course
NASB: division
Word Origin: [from G2184 (ἐφήμερος - daily)]

1. diurnality
2. (specially) the quotidian rotation or class of the Jewish priests' service at the Temple, as distributed by families

course.

From ephemeros; diurnality, i.e. (specially) the quotidian rotation or class of the Jewish priests' service at the Temple, as distributed by families -- course.

see GREEK ephemeros

Word Origin
from ephémeros
Definition
a class (of priests detailed for service in the temple)
NASB Translation
division (2).

STRONGS NT 2183: ἐφημερία

ἐφημερία, ἐφημερίας, ἡ (efeemerios], ἐφημεριον, by day, lasting or acting for a day, daily), a word not found in secular authors; the Sept. in Chronicles and Nehemiah;

1. a service limited to a stated series of days (cf. German Tagdienst,Wochendienst); so used of the service of the priests and Levites: Nehemiah 13:30; 1 Chronicles 25:8; 2 Chronicles 13:10, etc.

2. "the class or course itself of priests who for a week at a time performed the duties of the priestly office" (German Wöchnerzunft): 1 Chronicles 23:6; 1 Chronicles 28:13, etc.; 1 Esdr. 1:2, 15; so twice in the N. T.: Luke 1:5, 8. For David divided the priests into twenty-four classes, each of which in its turn discharged the duties of the office for an entire week from sabbath to sabbath, 1 Chronicles 24:4; 2 Chronicles 8:14; Nehemiah 12:24; these classes Josephus calls πατριαί and ἐφημεριδες, Antiquities 7, 14, 7; de vita sua1; Suidas, ἐφημερία. ἡ πατριά λέγεται δέ καί ἡ τῆς ἡμέρας λειτουργία. Cf. Fritzsche, commentary on 3 Esdras, p. 12. (BB. DD. under the word Priests; Edersheim, Jesus the Messiah, book ii., chapter iii.)

Concept and Scope

Strong’s Greek 2183 refers to the scheduled “division” or “course” of Temple priests, a rotational unit responsible for daily ministry in Jerusalem. While the noun draws from the idea of a “daily assignment,” in Scripture it denotes one of the twenty-four priestly orders established to ensure uninterrupted worship.

Old Testament Foundations

David, guided by prophetic insight, organized the male descendants of Aaron into twenty-four courses (1 Chronicles 24:1-19). Each course ministered for one week, twice a year, and all courses assembled for the three pilgrimage festivals (Deuteronomy 16:16). This arrangement preserved both order and equity in sacred service, highlighting God’s concern that worship be continual and conducted “according to the pattern” He ordained (1 Chronicles 28:19).

New Testament Appearances

Luke employs the term twice:
• Luke 1:5—“In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah”.
• Luke 1:8—“Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God”.

These notices anchor the birth narratives of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ in verifiable Temple records, demonstrating Luke’s meticulous historical method (Luke 1:3-4).

Historical and Chronological Significance

Because the Abijah course served eighth in the yearly rotation (1 Chronicles 24:10), some attempt to approximate the conception of John the Baptist and, six months later, Jesus (Luke 1:26, 36). While ancient calendars and post-exilic adjustments complicate precise dating, the reference shows that the Incarnation unfolded within real time and space, under the sovereign orchestration of God.

Theological Implications

1. Continuity of Covenant Worship: The priestly courses reveal God’s unbroken plan from Sinai to the Gospel era, preparing for the advent of the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 7:23-28).
2. Faithful Service: Zechariah’s obedience within his assigned course illustrates that ordinary fidelity in ministry can become the stage for extraordinary divine intervention (Luke 1:11-13).
3. Corporate Participation: The rotation system underscores that no single family monopolized Temple ministry; similarly, in the church every believer-priest shares responsibility for spiritual service (1 Peter 2:5, 9).

Practical Applications for Ministry Today

• Structured Rotations: Churches may glean wisdom from ordered scheduling of volunteers, ensuring consistent worship and preventing burnout.
• Generational Records: Maintaining accurate ministry records honors heritage and facilitates accountability, echoing Luke’s reliance on documented priestly courses.
• Expectant Obedience: Routine duties—whether teaching children, cleaning facilities, or leading prayer—can become arenas for divine encounters, just as Zechariah met Gabriel while burning incense.

Conclusion

Strong’s Greek 2183, though occurring only twice in the New Testament, opens a window onto the disciplined rhythm of Temple worship, the reliability of Luke’s historiography, and the broader theology of priesthood fulfilled in Christ and shared by His people.

εφημερία εφημερίαι εφημερίαις εφημερίαν εφημεριας εφημερίας εφημέριας ἐφημερίας εφημεριών ephemerias ephemerías ephēmerias ephēmeríasInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts