of uncertain derivation; the north (properly, wind):--north.
Transliteration:borrhâs
Pronunciation:bor-hras'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term βοῤῥᾶς (transliterated *borrhâs*), Strong's G1005, fundamentally denotes "the north" or, more precisely, "the north wind." Its derivation is noted as uncertain, suggesting it may be an onomatopoeic or ancient term for this specific atmospheric phenomenon. The primary semantic range of *borrhâs* is therefore meteorological and geographical, referring to the direction from which the north wind blows, or the wind itself. In ancient navigation and daily life, understanding the prevailing winds and cardinal directions was crucial, making terms like *borrhâs* essential for descriptive accuracy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word βοῤῥᾶς (G1005) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the book of Acts:
* **[[Acts 27:12]]**: "And because the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised to put to sea from there, if somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, looking northeast and southeast, and winter there."
In this passage, *borrhâs* is part of a compound adjective, "βλέποντα κατὰ λίβα καὶ κατὰ χῶρον" (looking toward the southwest and northwest) or as some manuscripts and translations render it, "κατὰ βορρᾶν καὶ κατὰ λίβα" (looking toward the north and toward the south/southwest). The most widely accepted reading for Phoenix is "looking northeast and southeast" (κατὰ λίβα καὶ κατὰ χῶρον), which indicates the harbor's orientation. However, a significant textual variant for Phoenix's orientation in some manuscripts does include *borrhâs* (βορρᾶν), typically paired with *liba* (λίβα, south/southwest). While not directly the primary reading, this variant highlights the term's use in describing geographical orientation.
More directly, the context of [[Acts 27]] is crucial. The narrative describes Paul's perilous sea journey to Rome. The specific mention of winds and harbors underscores the real-world challenges of ancient seafaring. While *borrhâs* itself is not the storm wind that later strikes the ship (that is the "Euroclydon" or "Euraquilo" in [[Acts 27:14]]), the discussion of favorable and unfavorable winds and harbor orientations sets the stage for the dramatic events. The accuracy of Luke's navigational details, including the direction of winds and harbors, lends historical credibility to the account.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek words relate to *borrhâs* either by semantic field (wind, direction) or by contextual proximity in the New Testament:
* **`{{G417}}` *anemos***: This is the general Greek term for "wind," appearing frequently throughout the Gospels and Acts. While *borrhâs* specifies a particular wind (from the north), *anemos* is the broader category (e.g., [[Matthew 8:27]], [[Acts 27:4]]).
* **`{{G2148}}` *Euroklydon***: This specific and destructive "northeaster" or "tempestuous wind" is mentioned in [[Acts 27:14]] as the storm that strikes Paul's ship. While *borrhâs* is merely the north wind, *Euroklydon* represents a far more dangerous and specific type of wind, likely a combination of east and north winds. Its presence immediately after the discussion involving *borrhâs* highlights the dangers of the Mediterranean's varied winds.
* **Cardinal Directions**: Other Greek terms for cardinal directions, such as *notos* (νότος, south wind/south, `{{G3575}}`), *anatole* (ἀνατολή, east/sunrise, `{{G395}}`), and *dysmai* (δυσμαί, west/sunset, `{{G1424}}`), form a semantic set with *borrhâs*, illustrating the comprehensive understanding of geographical orientation in the ancient world.
### Theological Significance
While *borrhâs* (G1005) is a descriptive term for a natural phenomenon, its singular occurrence within the highly charged narrative of Paul's journey to Rome in Acts carries subtle theological weight.
1. **Divine Providence amidst Natural Forces**: The detailed description of winds, harbors, and storms in [[Acts 27]] serves to highlight the precariousness of human endeavors and the ultimate sovereignty of God. Even seemingly mundane details like the direction of a harbor or a specific wind (like the north wind) become elements within a larger narrative where God's purposes for Paul are being unfolded. God's control over creation, including the winds and seas, is a recurring biblical theme (e.g., Jesus calming the storm, [[Mark 4:39]]). The north wind, though not the storm itself, is part of the natural environment that the sailors attempt to navigate, ultimately demonstrating the limits of human skill against powerful natural forces, and thus setting the stage for divine intervention.
2. **Verisimilitude and Historical Reliability**: Luke's precise use of terms like *borrhâs* and other nautical details contributes to the historical verisimilitude of the Acts narrative. This meticulousness underscores the reliability of the biblical account, suggesting that these events truly transpired. The accuracy of the geographical and meteorological descriptions implicitly points to the truthfulness of the divine narrative woven through them.
### Summary
The Greek word βοῤῥᾶς (*borrhâs*, G1005) primarily denotes "the north wind" or simply "the north." Its sole appearance in the New Testament is in [[Acts 27:12]], where it is part of a description of a harbor's orientation in the context of Paul's perilous sea voyage to Rome. While a descriptive term for a natural phenomenon, its inclusion in Luke's meticulous narrative of Acts underscores the historical reliability of the account. Theologically, the presence of such specific details, like the north wind, within a narrative of divine providence highlights God's ultimate sovereignty over creation, even amidst the unpredictable forces of nature, as His purposes for His servants are brought to fruition.
TRV