SPECIAL TOPIC: THE HOUR

SPECIAL TOPIC: THE HOUR (hōra)

The term “hour” is used in several different ways in the Gospels, as

1. a time reference (cf. Matt. 8:13; 26:40; Luke 7:21; John 11:9)

2. a metaphor for a time of testing and trial (cf. Matt. 10:19; Mark
13:11; Luke 12:12)

3. a metaphor for Jesus beginning His ministry (cf. John 2:4; 4:23)

4. a metaphor for the day of judgment (i.e., Second Coming, cf. Matt.
24:36,44; 25:13; Mark 13:32; John 5:25,28)

5. a metaphor for Jesus’ passion (cf. Matt. 26:45; Mark 14:35,41; John
7:30; 8:20; 12:23,27; 13:1; 16:32; 17:1)