Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Etymology: Noon, in biblical terms, refers to the middle of the day when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. The term "noon" is derived from the Latin word "nona hora," meaning the ninth hour, which originally referred to the ninth hour after sunrise, approximately 3 PM. However, over time, it came to signify midday. Biblical References and Significance: In the Bible, noon is often associated with significant events and divine encounters. It is a time of day that holds both practical and symbolic importance. 1. Divine Encounters and Revelations: Noon is depicted as a time when God reveals Himself or communicates with His people. In Acts 22:6, Paul recounts his conversion experience, stating, "About noon as I was approaching Damascus, suddenly a bright light from heaven flashed around me." This moment marks a pivotal transformation in Paul's life, highlighting noon as a time of divine intervention. 2. Prayer and Devotion: Noon is also a time for prayer and seeking God. In Psalm 55:17, David expresses his commitment to prayer, saying, "Evening, morning, and noon, I cry out in distress, and He hears my voice." This verse underscores the practice of praying at regular intervals throughout the day, including noon, as a means of maintaining a close relationship with God. 3. Judgment and Justice: Noon can symbolize the clarity and exposure of truth, as seen in the context of judgment. In Zephaniah 2:4, the prophet declares, "For Gaza will be abandoned, and Ashkelon will lie in ruins. At noon, they will be driven out, and Ekron will be uprooted." The mention of noon in this prophecy emphasizes the certainty and inevitability of God's judgment. 4. Rest and Refreshment: In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, noon was a time for rest and refreshment. The Song of Solomon 1:7 reflects this cultural practice: "Tell me, O you whom my soul loves, where you pasture your flock, where you make it lie down at noon." This verse illustrates the shepherd's routine of resting the flock during the hottest part of the day, symbolizing care and provision. 5. Symbol of Light and Truth: Noon, being the time of the brightest light, is often associated with truth and revelation. In Job 11:17, it is written, "Your life will be brighter than noonday; its darkness will be like the morning." This metaphorical use of noon signifies the hope and clarity that come from living in accordance with God's wisdom. Cultural and Historical Context: In the ancient Near East, the daily rhythm of life was closely tied to the natural cycle of the sun. Noon was a practical marker of time, influencing work, rest, and religious practices. The heat of the day often necessitated a pause in labor, providing an opportunity for reflection and communion with God. Theological Implications: Noon, as a biblical concept, serves as a reminder of God's presence and activity in the midst of daily life. It calls believers to seek God consistently, to rest in His provision, and to live in the light of His truth. The events and teachings associated with noon in Scripture encourage a life of prayer, devotion, and readiness for divine encounters. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) No. See No.2. (n.) The middle of the day; midday; the time when the sun is in the meridian; twelve o'clock in the daytime. 3. (n.) Hence, the highest point; culmination. 4. (a.) Belonging to midday; occurring at midday; meridional. 5. (v. i.) To take rest and refreshment at noon. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia NOON; NOONDAYnoon, noon'-da (tsohorayim; mesembria): The word means light, splendor, brightness, and hence, the brightest part of the day (Genesis 43:16, 25 Acts 22:6). Greek 3314. mesembria -- noon, the south ... noon, the south. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: mesembria Phonetic Spelling: (mes-ame-bree'-ah) Short Definition: the South Definition: (lit ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3314.htm - 6k 709. aristao -- to breakfast, hence to take a meal 3562. nounechos -- sensibly, discreetly 3568. nun -- now, the present 3569. tanun -- but now. 5106. toinun -- accordingly, therefore Strong's Hebrew 6672a. tsohar -- midday, noon... 6672, 6672a. tsohar. 6672b . midday, noon. Transliteration: tsohar Short Definition: noon. Word Origin from an unused word Definition ... /hebrew/6672a.htm - 5k 6672. tsohar -- midday, noon 5126. Nun -- father of Joshua 2587. channun -- gracious 6256. eth -- time 5125. nun -- to propagate, increase 2586. Chanun -- "favored," two contemporaries of Nehemiah, also an ... 2183. zenunim -- fornication 581. innun -- they, those Library Noon From Dawn to Noon Noon. Constantine's Death at Noon on the Feast of Pentecost. Blest are the Moments, Doubly Blest Behold Us, Lord, a Little Space May 12. "Tell Me Where Thou Makest Thy Flock to Rest at Noon" ... In Thy Realm of Light Above, "Pass Me Not, O Gentle Saviour. " "I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say. " Thesaurus Noon (30 Occurrences)... 4. (a.) Belonging to midday; occurring at midday; meridional. 5. (vi) To take rest and refreshment at noon. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. NOON; NOONDAY. ... /n/noon.htm - 16k Noon-day (8 Occurrences) Noonday (13 Occurrences) Afternoon (9 Occurrences) O'clock (16 Occurrences) Midday (11 Occurrences) Noontide (2 Occurrences) Rechab (13 Occurrences) Response (10 Occurrences) Dine (10 Occurrences) Resources What time was Jesus crucified? What time did Jesus die on the cross? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a morning prayer? What is an evening prayer? | GotQuestions.org How long was Jesus on the cross? | GotQuestions.org Noon: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Noon (30 Occurrences)Matthew 27:45 Mark 15:33 Luke 23:44 Acts 10:9 Acts 22:6 Acts 26:13 Genesis 43:16 Genesis 43:25 Deuteronomy 28:29 2 Samuel 4:5 1 Kings 18:26 1 Kings 18:27 1 Kings 18:29 1 Kings 20:16 2 Kings 4:20 Nehemiah 8:3 Job 5:14 Job 11:17 Psalms 37:6 Psalms 55:17 Psalms 91:6 Song of Songs 1:7 Isaiah 16:3 Isaiah 58:10 Isaiah 59:10 Jeremiah 6:4 Jeremiah 15:8 Jeremiah 20:16 Amos 8:9 Zephaniah 2:4 Subtopics Related Terms |