### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun G2376 (θυρίς, *thyrís*) denotes an "aperture" or "window." Its etymology traces back to `{{G2374}}` (θύρα, *thyra*), meaning "door," indicating that a window is understood as a specific type of opening in a wall, akin to a door but typically smaller, higher, and primarily for the admission of light and air, or for observation. Unlike `{{G2374}}`, which often carries metaphorical weight as a point of entry, opportunity, or access, G2376 consistently maintains its literal meaning as a physical opening in a structure. Its semantic range is therefore quite narrow, referring exclusively to a window.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term G2376 appears twice in the New Testament, both times in a purely literal sense, serving as a descriptive element within a narrative:
1. **[[Acts 20:9]]**: "Now there was a young man named Eutychus sitting on the window sill, deeply asleep as Paul talked on and on. And as he was sound asleep, he fell from the third story and was taken up dead." Here, the window (θυρίς) is the specific location from which Eutychus falls during Paul's extensive sermon in the upper room in Troas. The detail of the window highlights the physical setting of the gathering and the unfortunate accident that sets the stage for Paul's miraculous resuscitation of Eutychus. The window is simply a part of the architectural environment.
2. **[[2 Corinthians 11:33]]**: "But I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped his hands." In this passage, Paul recounts an episode from his ministry in Damascus where he escaped capture. The window (θυρίς) serves as the means of his escape, a literal opening in the city wall through which he was lowered in a basket. This detail underscores Paul's vulnerability and the desperate nature of his flight, while also pointing to God's providential care in preserving His servant for further ministry.
In both instances, G2376 refers to a tangible opening in a building or wall, functioning as a point of observation, ventilation, or, significantly, as a means of unexpected egress or ingress.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related word to G2376 is its etymological root, `{{G2374}}` (θύρα, *thyra*), meaning "door." Both terms describe openings in a wall, but with distinct primary functions: `{{G2374}}` for passage, and G2376 for light, air, or vision. While `{{G2374}}` often expands into metaphorical uses (e.g., "door of opportunity," "Christ as the door"), G2376 remains firmly rooted in its physical meaning.
Other related concepts, though not direct lexical equivalents in Greek, include:
* **Light and Air**: Windows are fundamental for admitting light and facilitating ventilation within enclosed spaces.
* **Observation**: They allow for looking out or looking in, providing a point of vantage or vulnerability.
* **Escape/Entry**: As seen in [[2 Corinthians 11:33]], a window can serve as an unconventional route for escape or entry, highlighting situations of urgency or clandestine movement.
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word `{{H699}}` (אֲרֻבָּה, *ʾarubbah*) is often translated as "window," as seen in the account of Noah's ark ([[Genesis 8:6]]) or the "windows of heaven" ([[Genesis 7:11]]), which are floodgates. While distinct lexically, the concept of a window as a controlled opening is consistent.
### Theological Significance
Given its consistent literal usage, G2376 does not carry inherent theological meaning in the same way that terms like "faith," "grace," or "righteousness" do. Rather, its theological significance arises from the events and contexts in which it appears.
In [[Acts 20:9]], the window becomes the backdrop for a dramatic demonstration of divine power through Paul. Eutychus's fall from the window, and his subsequent restoration to life, highlights God's sovereignty over life and death, reinforcing the authority and divine backing of Paul's apostolic ministry. The mundane detail of a window facilitates a miraculous event, underscoring that God's power can manifest in everyday settings and through unexpected circumstances.
In [[2 Corinthians 11:33]], the window serves as the means of Paul's escape from mortal danger. This narrative detail points to God's providential care and protection over His servants. It illustrates that even when facing extreme threats and resorting to unconventional means, God preserves His chosen instruments to fulfill their mission. The window, in this context, symbolizes a divinely provided pathway out of an otherwise inescapable predicament, demonstrating God's faithfulness to deliver.
Thus, while G2376 itself is a simple descriptive noun, the biblical narratives in which it is found elevate it to a silent witness of God's intervention, protection, and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.
### Summary
The Greek word G2376 (θυρίς, *thyrís*) consistently refers to a "window" or "aperture" in the New Testament, derived from the word for "door" (`{{G2374}}`). Its two occurrences in the Bible are both literal: in [[Acts 20:9]], it is the location from which Eutychus falls, leading to Paul's miraculous intervention; and in [[2 Corinthians 11:33]], it is the means of Paul's providential escape from Damascus. While G2376 itself lacks intrinsic theological weight, the events associated with it underscore significant theological themes such as God's power over life and death, and His protective providence over His servants. The window, though a simple architectural feature, thus serves as a crucial element in narratives that highlight divine action and human experience within the biblical text.
TRV