### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun θέρμη (thérme) `{{G2329}}` carries the fundamental meaning of "warmth" or "heat." Its etymological root is found in θέρος (theros) `{{G2328}}`, which denotes "summer" or "harvest time." This etymological connection immediately associates θέρμη with the natural, often intense, warmth characteristic of the hottest season of the year. The word describes a physical sensation or state of being hot and is primarily used in a literal sense, without significant metaphorical extensions to concepts like emotional fervor or passion, which are typically conveyed by other Greek terms.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term θέρμη (thérme) `{{G2329}}` appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the book of Acts.
* **[[Acts 28:3]]**: "But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the **heat** and fastened on his hand."
In this solitary occurrence, θέρμη refers to the literal heat emanating from the fire that Paul had kindled on the island of Malta. The context is purely descriptive: the physical warmth of the flames caused a viper, presumably cold and dormant within the wood, to become active and emerge. This usage underscores the word's straightforward and literal meaning, describing a natural physical phenomenon and its effect on a creature. The incident itself, while triggered by natural heat, serves as a prelude to a miraculous display of divine protection over Paul.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **θέρος (theros) `{{G2328}}`**: The direct root of θέρμη, meaning "summer" or "harvest." This connection reinforces the natural, seasonal aspect of heat.
* **πῦρ (pyr) `{{G4442}}`**: "Fire." In [[Acts 28:3]], fire is the direct source of the θέρμη, illustrating a causal relationship between the two concepts.
* **καίω (kaiō) `{{G2545}}`**: "To burn," "to kindle." This verb describes the action that produces θέρμη, such as kindling a fire.
* **Concepts of Warmth/Cold**: While θέρμη itself is used literally, the broader biblical narrative often employs concepts of heat and cold metaphorically. For instance, the "lukewarm" church in [[Revelation 3:16]] uses a thermal metaphor to describe spiritual indifference. However, θέρμη does not carry such metaphorical weight; it remains distinct from words that might describe spiritual zeal or the lack thereof.
### Theological Significance
Given its singular and purely literal occurrence, θέρμη (thérme) `{{G2329}}` does not possess a deep theological significance on its own. Its primary role is descriptive, serving to accurately portray a physical reality. However, its presence in the narrative of Paul's shipwreck and the subsequent viper incident indirectly contributes to a broader theological understanding. The "heat" of the fire, a natural element, acts as a catalyst for an event that ultimately highlights God's providential care and protection over His servant. The miraculous deliverance of Paul from the viper's bite, occurring immediately after the viper was driven out by the θέρμη, demonstrates divine intervention within the ordinary course of nature. Thus, while θέρμη describes a mundane physical property, it is embedded within a narrative that powerfully testifies to God's sovereignty and His ability to use even the most commonplace elements of creation to advance His divine purposes and demonstrate His power.
### Summary
The Greek word θέρμη (thérme) `{{G2329}}` signifies "warmth" or "heat," deriving from θέρος (theros) `{{G2328}}`, "summer." Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Acts 28:3]] describes the literal heat from a fire, which caused a viper to emerge. While θέρμη is a straightforward, descriptive term for a physical phenomenon, its contextual placement in the narrative of Paul's shipwreck indirectly underscores the reality of the physical world within which God's spiritual purposes unfold. The natural θέρμη becomes a backdrop for divine intervention, illustrating God's providential care and protection, even in seemingly ordinary circumstances.
TRV