### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun παραχειμασία (paracheimasía, `{{G3915}}`) is derived from the verb παραχειμάζω (paracheimazō, `{{G3914}}`), which means "to spend the winter," "to winter beside," or "to put into winter quarters." Consequently, παραχειμασία denotes the *act* or *state* of "wintering over" or "spending the winter." Its primary semantic range is tied to the practical necessity of finding a suitable place to stay during the cold, often stormy, winter months, particularly when engaging in travel, especially by sea. It implies a temporary cessation of journeying due to adverse weather conditions, awaiting more favorable circumstances for continuation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term παραχειμασία appears only once in the New Testament, in the book of Acts:
* **[[Acts 27:12]]**: "And because the harbor was not suitable for wintering in, the majority advised to put out from there, if somehow they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete, facing southwest and northwest, and winter there."
* In this crucial narrative, Paul and his companions are aboard a ship, caught in the perilous conditions of ancient sea travel. The ship is at a harbor called Fair Havens, but it is deemed "not suitable for wintering in" (οὐκ εὔθετος πρὸς παραχειμασίαν). This assessment highlights the practical dangers of sea travel during the winter season, when storms were frequent and harbors needed to offer adequate shelter. The decision to seek a better harbor for παραχειμασία was a matter of survival and prudent seamanship. The subsequent events, including the shipwreck, underscore the gravity of this decision and the consequences of ignoring wise counsel (Paul's warning) regarding the timing and location of such a "wintering over." The term here is purely descriptive of a logistical necessity.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Verbal Root:** The direct verbal cognate is παραχειμάζω (paracheimazō, `{{G3914}}`), meaning "to spend the winter." This verb is used multiple times in Acts and other epistles (e.g., [[Acts 27:3]], [[Acts 28:11]], [[1 Corinthians 16:6]], [[Titus 3:12]]) to describe the act of wintering.
* **Season of Winter:** The word χειμών (cheimōn, `{{G5494}}`), meaning "winter" or "storm," is intrinsically linked. The dangers of χειμών necessitate παραχειμασία.
* **Ancient Travel:** The concept is deeply embedded in the realities of ancient Mediterranean sea travel, where voyages were often suspended during the winter due to unpredictable and violent storms. This connects to broader themes of travel, logistics, and the challenges faced by early missionaries like Paul.
* **Harbors and Shelters:** The need for a "suitable" harbor for παραχειμασία points to the importance of safe havens and places of refuge.
### Theological Significance
While παραχειμασία is a largely secular and practical term, its singular occurrence in the biblical narrative of Acts carries subtle theological implications:
* **Divine Providence Amidst Human Prudence:** The account in [[Acts 27]] demonstrates the interplay between human decision-making, based on practical considerations (like the need for παραχειμασία), and divine oversight. Paul's warning, though rooted in experience, was ultimately a divinely informed counsel. The disregard of this counsel led to severe hardship, yet God's ultimate purpose for Paul was still achieved. This suggests that even seemingly mundane logistical decisions can have spiritual ramifications and that God works through and around human choices.
* **The Journey of Faith and Seasons of Life:** The necessity of "wintering over" can serve as a metaphor for the Christian life. Just as physical journeys have seasons of active movement and seasons of necessary pause or retreat, so too does the spiritual journey. There are times for vigorous ministry and times for quiet waiting, preparation, or even enforced stillness. These "wintering" periods, though perhaps inconvenient, can be crucial for safety, replenishment, or reorientation, all under God's sovereign hand.
* **Trust in God's Preservation:** The events surrounding the need for παραχειμασία ultimately lead to a shipwreck, yet God preserves all lives on board. This narrative reinforces the theme of God's faithfulness and power to protect His servants even in the face of extreme natural adversity and human error. The "wintering over" becomes part of a larger divine plan that unfolds despite immediate challenges.
### Summary
παραχειμασία (`{{G3915}}`) signifies the act or state of "wintering over" or "spending the winter," primarily in the context of ancient maritime travel. Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Acts 27:12]] vividly illustrates the practical necessity of finding a safe harbor to endure the perilous winter months at sea. Derived from the verb παραχειμάζω (`{{G3914}}`), this term underscores the logistical challenges faced by travelers in the ancient world. Theologically, its context in Acts highlights the interplay between human prudence and divine providence, demonstrating how God's purposes unfold amidst practical decisions and natural forces. It subtly speaks to the concept of seasons in the journey of faith, where periods of necessary pause or waiting are integral to God's overarching plan and the believer's ultimate preservation.
TRV