κλύδων

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word klýdōn, represented by G2830, describes a surge of the sea. Derived from a word meaning to billow or dash over, it is translated as raging or wave. It appears 2 times across 2 unique verses in the Bible, illustrating both literal and figurative turmoil.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its biblical usage, G2830 is applied in two distinct contexts. Literally, it depicts a physical storm in Luke's Gospel, where Jesus rebukes the wind G417 and the raging of the water, resulting in a calm Luke 8:24. Figuratively, it is used in the book of James to describe a person who wavers in faith, comparing them to a wave of the sea that is driven by the wind and tossed James 1:6.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the meaning of G2830 by providing context for the turmoil it describes:

• G1252 diakrínō (waver): This word, meaning to hesitate or doubt, is the internal state that G2830 illustrates externally. The one who wavers is like a wave James 1:6.
• G417 ánemos (wind): This is the external force that acts upon the G2830 wave. Jesus rebukes the wind in the literal storm Luke 8:24, and it is the wind that drives the figurative wave of the doubter James 1:6.
• G1055 galḗnē (calm): This term for tranquillity stands in direct opposition to G2830. After Jesus rebuked the raging of the water, "there was a calm" Luke 8:24.
• G2281 thálassa (sea): This is the setting where the G2830 occurs. The doubting person is like a wave of the sea James 1:6.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G2830 is found in its powerful imagery of agitation and instability.

• Divine Authority Over Chaos: In the literal sense, the "raging" of the water represents a chaotic and life-threatening force of nature. Jesus' ability to rebuke it and bring about a calm demonstrates his ultimate authority over creation Luke 8:24.
• The Instability of Doubt: In the figurative sense, the wave G2830 serves as a potent metaphor for spiritual instability. The person who wavers G1252 is not steadfast but is instead tossed about by external pressures, just as a wave is driven by the wind James 1:6.

Summary

In summary, G2830 provides a vivid depiction of a violent surge or wave. Though used sparingly, it powerfully conveys the concept of turmoil. It is employed literally to show Christ's power over the natural world and figuratively to warn against the spiritual instability that arises from a wavering faith, making it a key term for understanding the biblical contrast between chaos and peace.