### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **dysmḗ**, represented by `{{G1424}}`, refers to the **west**. Its definition, "the sun-set, i.e. (by implication) the western region," connects the direction to the daily phenomenon of the setting sun. It is a specific term, appearing only **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its scriptural usage, `{{G1424}}` often appears alongside its counterpart, the east, to denote the full breadth of the world. In [[Matthew 8:11]] and [[Luke 13:29]], people are prophesied to come from the east and **west** to sit down in the kingdom of God. It is also used to describe a natural phenomenon, as in [[Luke 12:54]], where a cloud rising from the **west** signals a coming shower. The coming of the Son of Man is likened to lightning that shines from the east to the **west**, illustrating its visibility [[Matthew 24:27]]. Finally, it helps describe the divine architecture of the new Jerusalem, which has three gates on the **west** [[Revelation 21:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words for other cardinal directions are frequently used in conjunction with **dysmḗ**:
* `{{G395}}` **anatolḗ**: defined as "a rising of light, i.e. dawn (figuratively); by implication, the east (also in plural):--dayspring, east, rising." It is the direct opposite of **west** and appears with it to describe a universal gathering [[Luke 13:29]].
* `{{G1005}}` **borrhâs**: meaning "the north (properly, wind):--north." This term is used alongside east, **west**, and south to signify all four cardinal points, as seen in the description of the new Jerusalem's gates [[Revelation 21:13]].
* `{{G3558}}` **nótos**: defined as "the south(-west) wind; by extension, the southern quarter itself:--south (wind)." It completes the directional set, indicating that people will come from every corner of the earth to enter God's kingdom [[Luke 13:29]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G1424}}` lies in its contribution to the theme of universality.
* **Universal Scope of Salvation:** By being paired with east, north, and south, **west** helps illustrate that God's kingdom is open to people from all nations and regions of the world ([[Matthew 8:11]], [[Luke 13:29]]).
* **Complete Revelation:** The image of lightning flashing from east to **west** signifies the undeniable and all-encompassing nature of the Son of Man's return, which will be visible to all [[Matthew 24:27]].
* **Divine Completeness:** In the vision of the new Jerusalem, having gates on the **west** and all other sides indicates the city's perfect design and its accessibility from any direction [[Revelation 21:13]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1424}}` is a precise directional term for **west**. While used sparingly, its role is significant. It functions literally to describe weather patterns and geographically to frame the world. More importantly, it serves a powerful symbolic purpose, working with other directional words to convey the universal reach of God's kingdom, the comprehensive nature of Christ's coming, and the perfect accessibility of the new Jerusalem.
TRV