Watch of the night — Meaning in the Bible
A division of the night for guards. The Gospels mention the fourth watch, the last part of the night before dawn.
Scripture in WEBWorld English Bible — Protestant Edition
The Old Testament refers to three night watches; Roman practice in the Gospels used four. Clock times are estimates.
What it means
Israel kept watches through the night; Judges mentions the middle watch. Jesus came to the disciples walking on the sea "in the fourth watch of the night". Judges 7:19Matthew 14:25
The psalms speak of thinking about God "in the night watches". Psalm 63:6Luke 12:38
Key passages
- Judges 7:19 — The middle watch.
- Psalm 63:6 — In the night watches.
- Matthew 14:25 — The fourth watch.