This feminine noun denotes evening, the later part of the day as light fades. Classical usage could indicate simply 'evening' or more broadly 'the west' (where the sun sets). In the New Testament it marks the time of day for various events—the disciples urging Jesus to stay because evening approaches (Luke 24:29), the limitation on trying prisoners at night (Acts 4:3), and Paul's extended teaching session (Acts 28:23).