Strong's Lexicon ephémeria: Division, course Original Word: ἐφημερία Word Origin: Derived from the Greek word ἐφήμερος (ephēmeros), meaning "daily" or "for the day." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The corresponding Hebrew concept is found in the division of the priestly courses, as outlined in 1 Chronicles 24. While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for "ephémeria," the idea is closely related to the Hebrew word מִשְׁמֶרֶת (mishmereth), meaning "watch" or "division." Usage: The term "ephémeria" refers to a division or course, specifically in the context of the priestly service in the Temple. It denotes the organized schedule or rotation of priests who served in the Temple, each group taking turns to perform their duties. Cultural and Historical Background: In ancient Israel, the priesthood was divided into 24 courses or divisions, as established by King David (1 Chronicles 24:1-19). Each division was responsible for serving in the Temple for one week at a time, twice a year. This system ensured that the Temple was continually staffed by priests who could perform the necessary rituals and sacrifices. The division of the priestly courses was a practical solution to manage the large number of priests and to maintain order in the Temple services. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ephémeros Definition a class (of priests detailed for service in the temple) NASB Translation division (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2183: ἐφημερίαἐφημερία, 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 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 Englishman's Concordance Luke 1:5 N-GFSGRK: Ζαχαρίας ἐξ ἐφημερίας Ἀβιά καὶ NAS: Zacharias, of the division of Abijah; KJV: Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and INT: Zechariah of [the] division of Abijah and Luke 1:8 N-GFS |
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