### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **néphos**, represented by `{{G3509}}`, provides the term for **cloud**. It appears only **1 time** in 1 unique verse in the Bible. Its sole use is not literal, but serves as a powerful figurative illustration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its single biblical appearance, `{{G3509}}` is used metaphorically to describe a "so great a **cloud** of witnesses" [[Hebrews 12:1]]. The verse states that believers **are** `{{G2192}}` `compassed about` `{{G4029}}` by this multitude. This imagery sets the stage for the exhortation that follows: to **lay aside** `{{G659}}` every **weight** `{{G3591}}` and the **sin** `{{G266}}` that hinders, in order to **run** `{{G5143}}` the spiritual **race** `{{G73}}` that is set before them.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context clarify the meaning of this image:
* `{{G3144}}` **mártys** (a witness): This word defines the composition of the **cloud**. It refers to a **witness** or, by analogy, a "martyr". In other contexts, it describes those who bear testimony, such as Christ being the "faithful **witness**" [[Revelation 1:5]].
* `{{G4029}}` **períkeimai** (to lie all around): This describes the believer's position relative to the **cloud**, meaning to be encircled or inclosed. It conveys the sense of being surrounded, as when one is `compassed` with infirmity [[Hebrews 5:2]].
* `{{G73}}` **agṓn** (a contest): This is the **race** that the believer is called to run. The term denotes a **contest**, fight, or conflict, as seen in the instruction to "Fight the good **fight** of faith" [[1 Timothy 6:12]].
* `{{G3591}}` **ónkos** (burden): This is defined as a **mass** or **burden** that acts as a hindrance. In the context of the race, it is something that must be laid aside along with **sin** `{{G266}}` to run effectively [[Hebrews 12:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3509}}` is derived entirely from its figurative use in this single verse.
* **A Metaphor for the Faithful:** The **cloud** `{{G3509}}` is not a weather phenomenon but a figurative term for the vast assembly of **witnesses** `{{G3144}}` who have gone before.
* **Source of Encouragement:** Being `compassed about` `{{G4029}}` by this great company serves to inspire believers to run their own **race** `{{G73}}` with **patience** `{{G5281}}`, which is defined as cheerful endurance [[Hebrews 12:1]].
* **The Christian Life as a Race:** The verse uses this imagery to frame the Christian life as an **agṓn** `{{G73}}`, a contest requiring the discipline to **lay aside** `{{G659}}` every **weight** `{{G3591}}` and the **sin** `{{G266}}` which doth so easily beset us.
### Summary
In summary, while **néphos** `{{G3509}}` appears only once, its impact is significant. It is used exclusively as a metaphor, not for a literal **cloud**, but for the immense multitude of faithful **witnesses** `{{G3144}}` who have completed their journey. This "great **cloud**" serves as a powerful, encompassing encouragement for believers to persevere in the spiritual **race** `{{G73}}` set before them, unhindered by **weight** `{{G3591}}` or **sin** `{{G266}}` [[Hebrews 12:1]].
TRV