Understanding Time in the Bible

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Understanding Time in the Bible:

When reading the Bible one should be cautious of reading their context into the Scriptures. For example, John says that Jesus went “up to Jerusalem” (John 2:13) from Capernaum (John 2:12). If one superimposes our linguistic nuances into the text, one might believe that Jesus went north from Capernaum. When in fact Capernaum is North of Jerusalem on the Sea of Galilee and Jesus traveled south to Jerusalem. Jesus physically went up because Jerusalem is at higher elevation than Galilee.[1] There are several key hurdles that can separate us from the biblical text: language, culture, geography, and time (these are generalized categories). One must first understand the actual context of the text before accurately applying it to life.

        One of these areas that might confuse the modern reader is regarding the concept of time in the Bible. John 1:39 states, “So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was the tenth hour.” John the Son of Zebedee and Jesus were both Jewish (John 4:9). Jews and non-Jews in the first century counted time from sunrise (0600; 6:00 A.M.) to sunset (1800; 6:00 P.M.).[2] Whereas in modern America we begin the day somewhat arbitrarily in the middle of the night. In John 1:39, most translations will have a note that assists the modern reader and explains that the “tenth hour” is 4:00 P.M. This footnote is helpful for us who were not blessed with mathematical prowess (6:00 A.M. + 10 hours = 4:00 P.M.).

 Why does this matter? Time can be a particular message or theme that courses through a book of the Bible that conveys theological truth. Keeping with the above example, John specifically lays out times, days and Jewish festivals in his Gospel account to reveal theological truths about Jesus. If the reader understands that in John 1:39 it is 4:00 P.M., then when Andrew brings Peter (his brother) to meet Jesus, it is on the fourth day (1:40-42) chronologically. This places Jesus' first miracle of turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-12) on the 7th day, which is the Sabbath. Jesus corrected prominent Jewish leaders concerning their traditions (and misunderstandings) concerning the Sabbath and this becomes a constant theme throughout the fourth Gospel (John 5:9, 7:23, 9:16, 19:31).   

In John 4:6, Jesus is traveling through Samaria and rests by Jacobs well “about the sixth hour.” Using the above formula, this would make the time about noon. Jesus was traveling by foot through this area. The heat of the day was on Him and He was wearied, and thirsty (John 4:6-7). A Samaritan woman then comes and draws water from the well during the heat of the day (John 4:7). One can infer from the remainder of this account that the Samaritan woman went to the well during the heat of the day due to her immorality and because she might have been ostracized by her community.[3]  

Hopefully, this explanation of time in the Bible will aid in understanding the footnotes in your Bible and help you clear some cultural hurdles in interpreting Scripture. John records these times, days, and Jewish Festivals in order to communicate spiritual truths concerning Jesus. Understanding these cultural nuances will aid in understanding that John presents Christ as the Messiah and whoever believes in him will have “eternal life” (John 3:14-15).

 

[1] D.A. Carson, The Gospel According to John (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company 1991), 176.

[2] Andreas J. Kostenberger, Encountering John (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2013), 236.

[3] Ibid., 236.


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