### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **nótos**, represented by `{{G3558}}`, refers to the **south**(-west) **wind** or, by extension, the southern quarter itself. It is a term of uncertain affinity that appears **7 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible, carrying both a literal and symbolic weight.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{G3558}}` denotes both a geographical direction and a specific type of wind. As a direction, it is used to describe the origin of "the queen of the **south**," who came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear Solomon's wisdom ([[Matthew 12:42]], [[Luke 11:31]]). It is also listed with the other cardinal points to illustrate the gathering of people from all over the world into the kingdom of God [[Luke 13:29]] and to describe the gates of the new city in Revelation [[Revelation 21:13]]. As a meteorological term, the "**south wind**" is observed as a sign of coming heat [[Luke 12:55]] and as a condition for sea travel ([[Acts 27:13]], [[Acts 28:13]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words for other cardinal directions are often used in conjunction with **nótos**:
* `{{G1005}}` **borrhâs**: This word for **north** is used to define a cardinal direction, often appearing alongside **nótos** to signify the full extent of the known world ([[Luke 13:29]], [[Revelation 21:13]]).
* `{{G1424}}` **dysmḗ**: Defined as the sun-set or the western region, this word for **west** helps complete the set of four cardinal directions used to describe the universal scope of God's kingdom ([[Luke 13:29]], [[Revelation 21:13]]).
* `{{G395}}` **anatolḗ**: Meaning a rising of light or the **east**, this term is frequently paired with the others to represent all corners of the earth from which people will come ([[Luke 13:29]], [[Revelation 21:13]]).
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{G3558}}` can be seen in several distinct applications within the text.
* **Universal Gathering:** When used with the other cardinal directions, **nótos** helps to establish the theme of a universal gathering. People will come from the **south**, along with the north, east, and west, to sit down in the kingdom of God, signifying its global inclusivity [[Luke 13:29]].
* **A Standard for Judgment:** The "queen of the **south**" serves as a testament to the pursuit of wisdom. She will rise up in judgment against the generation that had access to one greater than Solomon but did not listen ([[Matthew 12:42]], [[Luke 11:31]]).
* **Natural Revelation and Providence:** The literal use of "**south wind**" as a weather indicator [[Luke 12:55]] and a factor in travel [[Acts 27:13]] highlights its role in the natural world and daily life as understood by the people of that time.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3558}}` **nótos** is a focused term with a clear dual meaning. It functions as a simple geographical marker for "the **south**" and as a descriptive term for the "**south wind**." Through its use in scripture, it contributes to larger themes of divine judgment, the universal call of the kingdom, and the observation of the natural world.
TRV