The Greek adjective opsios (ὄψιος) means 'late' or 'of the evening.' Used as a substantive feminine noun (hē opsía), it means 'evening' or 'the evening hour.' It appears about 15 times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospel narratives, marking the end of the day and the beginning of night — a time of rest, miracles, and significant events in Jesus' ministry.
Evening (opsía) is a consistent setting for divine activity in the Gospels. 'When evening came' (opsías genomenes) is a formula that frames several pivotal moments: the feeding of the 5,000 and the disciples' departure by boat (Matthew 14:15, 23); Jesus walking on water (Matthew 14:25); the Last Supper (Mark 14:17); and the Resurrection appearance to the two disciples at Emmaus (Luke 24:29 — 'it is nearly evening'). In John 20:19, the Risen Christ appears to the disciples 'on the evening of that first day of the week.' The theological pattern suggests that evening is not the end but the setting for new revelation — darkness and weariness become the canvas for God's most intimate appearances.