### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G3914 (παραχειμάζω, *paracheimázō*) is a compound word formed from the preposition παρά (para, `{{G3844}}`), meaning "beside" or "near," and the verb χειμάζω (cheimázō, derived from χειμών [cheimōn, `{{G5494}}`]), which means "to be storm-tossed" or "to suffer from winter weather," and by extension, "to winter." Thus, the core meaning of G3914 is "to winter near," "to spend the winter," or "to stay through the rainy/stormy season." It denotes a period of dwelling or remaining in a particular location, typically due to the cessation of travel or activity imposed by the harsh conditions of winter, often involving storms or heavy rains. The semantic range is quite narrow, consistently referring to the act of passing the winter season in a specific place, whether for a person or a ship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
G3914 appears four times in the New Testament, all within the Pauline corpus and the book of Acts, reflecting the practical realities of travel and ministry in the ancient Mediterranean world:
* **[[Acts 27:12]]**: "And because the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised to put to sea from there, if somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing southwest and northwest, and winter there." Here, the term refers to the necessity of finding a safe and suitable harbor for a ship to remain during the severe winter months when sea travel was perilous. The decision to *paracheimázō* in Phoenix rather than Fair Havens underscores the practical considerations for maritime safety.
* **[[Acts 28:11]]**: "After three months we set sail in a ship that had wintered in the island, a ship of Alexandria, with the Twin Brothers as its figurehead." This verse describes a ship that had already spent the winter season on the island of Malta, likely due to the same storm that shipwrecked Paul. It highlights the common practice of ships laying up for the winter.
* **[[1 Corinthians 16:6]]**: "Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey wherever I go." In this context, Paul expresses his intention to remain with the Corinthian believers for an extended period, possibly through the winter, before continuing his missionary journey. This demonstrates a strategic pause in his travels, allowing for deeper engagement and ministry within a community.
* **[[Titus 3:12]]**: "When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to winter there." Here, Paul informs Titus of his specific plan to *paracheimázō* in Nicopolis, indicating a pre-planned location for his winter stay. This implies a period of sustained residence and potentially focused ministry or administrative work from that location.
Across these occurrences, the term consistently denotes a strategic or enforced cessation of travel for the duration of the winter season, whether for a ship or for a person engaged in missionary work.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is χειμών (cheimōn, `{{G5494}}`), which means "winter" or "storm." This noun is the root of χειμάζω, which forms the latter part of G3914. The concept of "wintering" is intrinsically linked to the dangers and impracticalities of travel during the cold and stormy season in the ancient world, particularly maritime travel. Other related concepts include:
* **Travel and Journeys:** The need to *paracheimázō* directly impacts the planning and execution of ancient journeys, especially those undertaken for missionary purposes.
* **Hospitality:** Periods of wintering often necessitated reliance on the hospitality of local communities, as seen in Paul's potential stay in Corinth.
* **Strategic Planning:** Paul's decisions to winter in specific locations (Corinth, Nicopolis) reveal a practical and strategic approach to ministry, adapting to environmental constraints.
* **Endurance and Patience:** The act of wintering implies a period of waiting, enduring adverse conditions, and exercising patience before resuming activities.
### Theological Significance
While G3914 is primarily a practical term describing a seasonal cessation of travel, it carries subtle theological implications within the broader narrative of early Christian ministry:
1. **Divine Providence and Human Planning:** The need to *paracheimázō* highlights the interplay between human planning and divine providence. Even in the execution of God's mission, natural elements and practical realities must be considered. Paul's strategic decisions to winter in specific locations demonstrate a wise stewardship of time and resources, recognizing the limitations imposed by creation while trusting in God's overarching plan.
2. **The Incarnational Nature of Ministry:** The early apostles, including Paul, did not operate outside the physical constraints of the world. Their ministry was deeply embedded in the realities of travel, weather, and human needs. The act of wintering grounds their spiritual endeavors in the tangible, reminding us that God works through real people in real circumstances.
3. **Seasons of Rest and Sustained Engagement:** Wintering periods, though sometimes enforced, could also serve as seasons for sustained ministry, teaching, and fellowship within a particular community, deepening relationships and consolidating the work of the Gospel. It underscores that ministry is not always about constant movement but also about rootedness and patient endurance.
4. **Vulnerability and Reliance:** The vulnerability of ancient travel, subject to the whims of weather, underscores the reliance of missionaries on God's protection and the hospitality of others. Even the most fervent apostles were dependent on practical provisions and safe passage.
### Summary
G3914 (παραχειμάζω, *paracheimázō*) is a Greek verb meaning "to winter" or "to spend the winter," derived from the preposition παρά (para, `{{G3844}}`) and the verb χειμάζω (cheimázō, from χειμών [cheimōn, `{{G5494}}`], "winter/storm"). It consistently refers to the act of remaining in a location for the duration of the winter season, often due to the impracticality or danger of travel during that time. Occurring four times in the New Testament (two in Acts, two in Pauline epistles), it describes both ships and individuals (specifically Paul) taking refuge or strategically pausing their journeys for the winter ([[Acts 27:12]], [[Acts 28:11]], [[1 Corinthians 16:6]], [[Titus 3:12]]). While a practical term, its usage illuminates the challenges and strategic adaptations required for early Christian ministry, emphasizing the interplay of human planning with natural constraints and the often-necessary periods of sustained engagement or rest in the service of the Gospel.
TRV