### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **nephélē**, represented by `{{G3507}}`, properly means **cloudiness**, and is concretely used for a **cloud**. It appears **26 times** across **22 unique verses**, playing a significant role in describing divine events and meteorological phenomena. The term is derived from νέφος, establishing its core meaning as "cloudiness".
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{G3507}}` is frequently associated with divine manifestations. It is a key element in prophecies of the Son of Man's return, who will be seen "coming in the **clouds** of heaven" ([[Matthew 24:30]], [[Mark 14:62]]). At the Transfiguration, a "bright **cloud** overshadowed them," and a voice from the **cloud** identified Jesus as the beloved Son [[Matthew 17:5]]. The ascension of Jesus is also marked by a **cloud** that "received him out of their sight" [[Acts 1:9]]. The word is used historically to describe the **cloud** under which "all our fathers were" during the Exodus [[1 Corinthians 10:1]]. Metaphorically, it can describe false teachers, who are like "**clouds** they are without water" [[Jude 1:12]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify and expand upon the contexts in which **nephélē** appears:
* `{{G109}}` **aḗr** (air): This word is used to describe the medium where believers will meet the Lord, being caught up in the **clouds** to meet Him in the **air** [[1 Thessalonians 4:17]].
* `{{G2217}}` **zóphos** (gloom (as shrouding like a cloud)): This term is connected to the negative metaphorical use of clouds. False teachers are described as clouds for whom the "**mist** of darkness is reserved" [[2 Peter 2:17]].
* `{{G2978}}` **laîlaps** (a whirlwind (squall)): This word describes the force acting upon the metaphorical clouds in [[2 Peter 2:17]], which are "carried with a **tempest**".
* `{{G3655}}` **ómbros** (a thunder storm): This term for a weather event is directly predicted by the sight of a **cloud**. As Jesus observes, when people see a **cloud** rise from the west, they say a "**shower**" is coming [[Luke 12:54]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3507}}` is significant, often symbolizing God's direct interaction with the world.
* **Theophany and Divine Voice:** A **cloud** frequently marks a moment of divine revelation. At the Transfiguration, a **cloud** overshadows the disciples, and the Father's voice speaks from it, affirming Jesus's sonship ([[Matthew 17:5]], [[Mark 9:7]]).
* **Vehicle of Ascension and Return:** Clouds serve as the vehicle for Christ's movement between heaven and earth. A **cloud** receives Jesus at his ascension [[Acts 1:9]], and he will return on "the **clouds** of heaven with power and great glory" [[Matthew 24:30]]. The righteous are also caught up in **clouds** to meet him [[1 Thessalonians 4:17]].
* **Symbol of Judgment and Deception:** In the book of Jude, **clouds** without water serve as a potent metaphor for false teachers who offer no spiritual substance [[Jude 1:12]]. Similarly, 2 Peter describes them as "**clouds** that are carried with a tempest" reserved for darkness [[2 Peter 2:17]]. In Revelation, a figure on a **cloud** wields a sickle for the final harvest of the earth [[Revelation 14:14-16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3507}}` extends beyond its literal meaning of a **cloud** to become a powerful biblical symbol. It is a marker of divine presence, the means for Christ's glorious return, and a metaphor for both divine guidance and spiritual emptiness. From the Transfiguration mount to the final judgment, **nephélē** illustrates how a common natural element is used in Scripture to convey profound theological truths about God's power, presence, and redemptive plan.
TRV