The Greek word kŷma, represented by G2949, is defined as a billow or wave. Derived from a word meaning to swell or curve, it describes a billow as something bursting or toppling. It appears 5 times across 5 unique verses in the Bible.
In biblical narratives, G2949 is used to describe the powerful and often dangerous movement of water during a storm. In the Gospels, waves are shown covering a ship during a great tempest Matthew 8:24, beating into a vessel during a storm of wind Mark 4:37, and tossing a ship when the wind was contrary Matthew 14:24. The destructive power of waves is highlighted in Acts, where their violence breaks apart a ship that has run aground Acts 27:41. The word is also used figuratively in Jude to describe ungodly people as raging waves of the sea Jude 1:13.
Several related words help clarify the context and meaning of G2949:
- G66 ágrios (wild, raging): This adjective directly modifies kŷma to describe its fierce and untamed nature, particularly in the figurative sense of "raging waves" that represent corrupt individuals Jude 1:13.
- G1911 epibállō (to throw upon... beat into): This verb describes the aggressive action of the waves against a vessel during a storm, as seen when they "beat into the ship" Mark 4:37.
- G928 basanízō (to torture... toss, vex): This word illustrates the severe effect of the waves on a ship, showing how it was "tossed with waves" in the midst of the sea Matthew 14:24.
The theological and figurative significance of G2949 is tied to its depiction of chaos and power.
- Symbol of Chaos and Peril: The waves represent the powerful, untamed forces of the natural world that threaten human security. They are agents of tempests G4578 and storms G2978 that can cover and break ships (Matthew 8:24, Acts 27:41).
- Demonstration of Divine Authority: The storms that produce these waves serve as the setting for demonstrating Christ's power. His ability to rebuke the winds and the sea, calming the waves, showcases his authority over the created order that appeared contrary G1727 to his disciples.
- Metaphor for Moral Turmoil: In Jude, the image of "raging waves" G66 becomes a potent metaphor for false teachers. Their nature is as unstable and destructive as the sea, and their actions result in "foaming out" G1890 their own shame G152, much like a wave crashes and dissipates Jude 1:13.
In summary, G2949 denotes a sea wave, a concept used both literally and figuratively in Scripture. In narrative accounts, it is a tangible element of danger and chaos in storms at sea. Theologically, it expands to become a powerful symbol for the turbulent and shameful character of ungodly people, illustrating how the natural world is used to convey profound spiritual truths about disorder, peril, and divine authority.
TRV