3720. orthrinos
Lexical Summary
orthrinos: Early morning, at dawn

Original Word: ὀρθρινός
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: orthrinos
Pronunciation: or-three-NOS
Phonetic Spelling: (or-thrin-os')
KJV: morning
NASB: early in the morning
Word Origin: [from G3722 (ὄρθρος - daybreak)]

1. relating to the dawn, i.e. of early morning (as an epithet of Venus, especially brilliant in the early day)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
morning.

From orthros; relating to the dawn, i.e. Matutinal (as an epithet of Venus, especially brilliant in the early day) -- morning.

see GREEK orthros

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from orthros
Definition
early
NASB Translation
early in the morning (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 3720: ὀρθρινός

ὀρθρινός, ὀρθρινή ὀρθρινον (from ὄρθρος; cf. ἡμερινός, ἑσπερινός, ὀπωρινός, πρωϊνός a poetic (Anth.) and later form for ὄρθριος (see Lob. ad Phryn., p. 51; Sturz, De dial. Maced. et Alex., p. 186; (Winers Grammar, 25)), early: Revelation 22:16 Rec.; Luke 24:22 L T Tr WH. (Hosea 6:4; Wis. 11:23 (22).)

Topical Lexicon
Definition and Occurrence

The term translated “early in the morning” in Luke 24:22 designates the first watch of daylight, the moments just after night has passed and before the bustle of the day begins. In its lone New Testament appearance it highlights the timing of the women’s visit to the tomb of Jesus.

Historical Setting of the Early Morning Hour

1. The Jewish day began at sunset, but public life commenced with first light.
2. Dawn offered cool temperatures, quiet streets, and uninterrupted time—ideal for worship and travel (Psalm 119:147; Mark 1:35).
3. Priestly service in the Temple started as daylight appeared (Exodus 29:38-39). Thus, rising early was often associated with devotion and obedience.

Women at the Empty Tomb

Luke records that on Resurrection Sunday “some of our women astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning” (Luke 24:22). Their eagerness:
• Demonstrates courage and commitment while many disciples hid.
• Provides eyewitness testimony at the very first possible moment.
• Fulfills Jesus’ promise that His resurrection would be revealed (Luke 18:33).

Patterns of Early Rising in Scripture

• Abraham: “Abraham got up early in the morning, saddled his donkey” (Genesis 22:3). Faith obeys promptly.
• Moses: “So Moses chiseled out two tablets like the first…and he rose early in the morning” (Exodus 34:4). Covenant renewal occurs at dawn.
• Joshua: “Joshua rose early in the morning, and they set out from Shittim” (Joshua 3:1). Leadership prepares God’s people in the morning.
• David: “David rose early in the morning and left the flock” (1 Samuel 17:20). Battles begin when God’s servant is ready.
• Job: “Job would rise early in the morning to offer burnt offerings” (Job 1:5). Intercession for one’s household starts with first light.
• Jesus: “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up and went out to a solitary place” (Mark 1:35). The Son models intimate prayer before ministry.

Theological Themes of Dawn

Light triumphs over darkness:
• “The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near” (Romans 13:12).
• “Until the Day dawns and the Morning Star rises in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19).
• “For you who fear My name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in His wings” (Malachi 4:2).

Dawn signals new creation and covenant fulfillment, culminating in the resurrection.

Ministry Significance

1. Resurrection Witness: The lone appearance of the term fixates attention on the empty tomb at the earliest possible hour, reinforcing historicity.
2. Example for Discipleship: Scripture repeatedly commends meeting God at dawn. Early dedication prioritizes the Lord over the day’s concerns.
3. Corporate Practice: From the earliest church, believers gathered before sunrise to read Scripture and break bread, a rhythm reflected in later “matins” and modern sunrise services.

Practical Application

• Begin each day with Scripture and prayer, echoing Psalm 5:3: “In the morning, LORD, You hear my voice.”
• Expect fresh mercies every dawn (Lamentations 3:23).
• Use early hours for gospel proclamation; like the women, believers testify that Jesus is risen before a watching world awakens.

Summary

Though appearing only once, the word translated “early in the morning” weaves into a broader biblical motif: God’s people seek Him at dawn, He reveals Himself at dawn, and ultimate victory over death burst forth at dawn. The resurrection morning forever marks the early hour as a time of hope, obedience, and renewed mission.

Forms and Transliterations
ορθριναι ὀρθριναὶ ορθρινή ορθρινών orthrinai orthrinaì
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Luke 24:22 Adj-NFP
GRK: ἡμᾶς γενόμεναι ὀρθριναὶ ἐπὶ τὸ
NAS: us. When they were at the tomb early in the morning,
INT: us having been early to the

Strong's Greek 3720
1 Occurrence


ὀρθριναὶ — 1 Occ.

3719
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