Acts 8:26

The south [μ ε σ η μ β ρ ι α ν]. A contracted form of meshmeria, midday, noon, which is the rendering at Acts 22:6 the only other passage where it occurs. Rev. gives at noon in margin.

Desert. Referring to the route. On desert, see on Luke 14:4. There were several roads from Jerusalem to Gaza. One is mentioned by the way of Bethlehem to Hebron, and thence through a region actually called a desert.