### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term εὐδία (eudía, `{{G2105}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the prefix εὖ (eu, "good" or "well") and an alternate form related to Ζεύς (Zeus), which in this context refers to the sky or weather. Thus, its etymological roots point to "good sky" or "good weather." The base definition accurately captures this, translating it as "a clear sky," "fine weather," or "fair weather." Semantically, εὐδία occupies a very specific and limited range, referring exclusively to optimal atmospheric conditions. It does not carry broader metaphorical meanings within its singular New Testament occurrence, but rather serves as a concrete, observable phenomenon.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word εὐδία (eudía, `{{G2105}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in [[Matthew 16:2]]. In this passage, Jesus is confronted by the Pharisees and Sadducees who demand a sign from heaven. Jesus responds by drawing an analogy from their everyday experience of discerning weather patterns: "When it is evening, you say, 'It will be fair weather (εὐδία), for the sky is red.'" He contrasts their ability to interpret natural signs with their inability to discern the "signs of the times" regarding His own ministry and the unfolding of God's kingdom. The context highlights a profound spiritual blindness among those who were outwardly religious yet lacked true discernment. The "fair weather" serves as a simple, universally understood example of a predictable natural sign, making the spiritual blindness of Jesus' interlocutors all the more stark.
### Related Words & Concepts
While εὐδία (eudía, `{{G2105}}`) stands alone in its specific meaning of "fair weather" in the New Testament, it is conceptually linked to several important themes and words. Its prefix, εὖ (eu, `{{G2095}}`), meaning "good" or "well," is foundational to many positive terms in the Greek lexicon (e.g., εὐαγγέλιον, euangelion, "good news," `{{G2098}}`; εὐλογέω, eulogeō, "to bless," `{{G2127}}`). The broader concept of "signs" (σημεῖον, sēmeion, `{{G4592}}`) is central to the passage in [[Matthew 16:2]], where Jesus critiques the failure to discern the signs of the times. This relates to the idea of "times" or "seasons" (καιρός, kairos, `{{G2540}}`), which implies a divinely appointed or opportune moment. The passage also implicitly contrasts εὐδία with adverse weather conditions (e.g., stormy weather, πῦρ, pyr, "fire," `{{G4442}}` for a red and threatening sky in the morning), although no direct antonym is used. Ultimately, the word points to the broader concept of discernment (διακρίνω, diakrinō, `{{G1252}}`) and the spiritual perception necessary to understand God's work.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of εὐδία (eudía, `{{G2105}}`) lies not in its intrinsic meaning as "fair weather," but in its function as a rhetorical device employed by Jesus. It underscores humanity's innate capacity to interpret natural phenomena, a skill readily applied to predict the weather. The profound theological indictment in [[Matthew 16:2-3]] is that this same human capacity for observation and interpretation is tragically absent when it comes to discerning the spiritual realities of God's kingdom. Jesus challenges the spiritual leaders of His day, implying that their spiritual dullness is more culpable than mere ignorance, as they could easily discern a clear sky but not the clear signs of the Messiah's presence. This passage serves as a timeless call for spiritual discernment, urging believers to be attentive to the "signs of the times" related to God's ongoing work in the world and the unfolding of His redemptive plan, lest they miss the divine kairos.
### Summary
εὐδία (eudía, `{{G2105}}`) is a Greek noun meaning "fair weather" or "a clear sky," derived from "good" and a term related to the sky or weather. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Matthew 16:2]] is highly significant, serving as a simple, relatable example within Jesus' rebuke of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Jesus uses their ability to discern a "fair weather" sky as a stark contrast to their spiritual inability to recognize the profound "signs of the times" presented by His ministry. The word highlights the human capacity for natural observation versus a critical lack of spiritual discernment. Theologically, it underscores the importance of spiritual perception and the danger of spiritual blindness, urging all to actively seek and understand the divine indicators of God's sovereign work in the world.
TRV