15:33 sixth hour. Noon.

darkness. This recalls the darkness in Egypt, which lasted three days before the death of the firstborn sons (Ex. 10:22). See also the prophecy of Amos 8:9, 10 where the Lord promises to “darken the earth in broad daylight,” in a time “like the mourning for an only son.”

ninth hour. About 3:00 p.m.