Early

EARLY [ISBE]

EARLY - ur'-li (orthros, and related words; proi): The word generally refers to the day, and means the hour of dawn or soon after (Gen 19:2; 2 Ch 36:15; Hos 6:4; Lk 24:22). Sometimes it refers to the beginning of the season, e.g. the early rain (Ps 84:6; Jas 5:7; see RAIN). It may also have the sense of "speedily" (Ps 46:5). The early morning is frequently commended as the hour for prayer. See examples of Jesus (Mk 1:35; Lk 21:38; Jn 8:2); also Abraham (Gen 19:27), Jacob (Gen 28:18), Gideon (Jdg 6:38), Samuel (1 Sam 15:12), David (1 Sam 17:20).

G. H. Gerberding