prolonged from πλήθω; flood-tide, i.e. (by analogy) a freshet:--flood.
Transliteration:plḗmmyra
Pronunciation:plame-moo'-rah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun πλήμμυρα (plḗmmyra), Strong's number `{{G4132}}`, is derived from the verb πλήθω (plḗthō, `{{G4130}}`), meaning "to fill" or "to be full." This etymological connection is crucial, as πλήμμυρα specifically denotes an *overflowing* fullness of water. Its primary meaning is "flood-ttide" or "freshet," referring to a sudden, powerful rush of water, often caused by heavy rains or melting snow, leading to the inundation of an area. The term conveys the sense of an overwhelming surge that exceeds normal boundaries, implying both abundance and destructive potential. It is distinct from a general body of water, emphasizing the dynamic, forceful aspect of an overflowing current.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term πλήμμυρα (plḗmmyra) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Luke:
* **[[Luke 6:48]]**: "He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. When a **flood** came, the river rushed against that house and could not shake it, because it was well built."
In this passage, part of the parable of the two builders, πλήμμυρα is used to describe a severe and testing natural event. The "flood" represents an overwhelming force that assails the house, putting its structural integrity to the ultimate test. The wise builder's house, founded on solid rock, withstands this πλήμμυρα, while the foolish builder's house, lacking a proper foundation, collapses. The context is didactic, illustrating the critical importance of hearing and obeying the words of Jesus as the stable foundation for one's life, enabling endurance through life's inevitable trials. The πλήμμυρα here is a powerful metaphor for the adversities, tribulations, or spiritual challenges that can threaten to overwhelm a person's faith and life.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of πλήμμυρα (plḗmmyra) connects it to several related Greek words and theological concepts:
* **πλήθω (plḗthō, `{{G4130}}`)**: The root verb, meaning "to fill" or "to be full." This highlights the overflowing nature of a flood, emphasizing the abundance of water that exceeds capacity.
* **ποταμός (potamos, `{{G4215}}`)**: "River." In [[Luke 6:48]], the πλήμμυρα is explicitly linked to the "river" (ὁ ποταμός) rushing against the house, indicating the source of the flood.
* **ὕδωρ (hydōr, `{{G5204}}`)**: "Water." While πλήμμυρα is specific to an overflowing body of water, ὕδωρ is the general term for water.
* **χειμών (cheimōn, `{{G5492}}`)**: "Winter," "storm," or "tempest." This word often denotes severe weather, which could precipitate a πλήμμυρα.
* **βροχή (brochē, `{{G1028}}`)**: "Rain." Heavy rain is a common cause of floods, though πλήμμυρα focuses on the *result* of such rain.
* **πειρασμός (peirasmos, `{{G3986}}`)**: "Trial," "temptation." This concept aligns with the metaphorical use of πλήμμυρα as a test or adversity.
* **θλῖψις (thlipsis, `{{G2347}}`)**: "Tribulation," "affliction," "distress." Like πειρασμός, θλῖψις denotes the pressures and hardships that believers face, echoing the destructive force of a flood.
* **Old Testament Parallels**: The imagery of overwhelming waters is prevalent in the Old Testament, particularly the Noahic flood (מַבּוּל `{{H3999}}`) in Genesis, which serves as a paradigm of divine judgment and testing. Psalms and prophetic books also frequently use floods and deep waters as metaphors for overwhelming distress or divine wrath (e.g., [[Psalm 69:1-2]], [[Isaiah 43:2]]).
### Theological Significance
The singular use of πλήμμυρα in [[Luke 6:48]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a potent metaphor for the inevitable and often overwhelming trials and tribulations that will confront every individual's life and faith. The πλήμμυρα is not a gentle shower but a forceful, destructive inundation, signifying adversities that threaten to dismantle one's spiritual and existential stability.
The parable's teaching is clear: the ability to withstand such a "flood" depends entirely on the foundation upon which one's life is built. For the believer, this foundation is hearing and *doing* the words of Jesus Christ. This active obedience provides the spiritual bedrock that allows one to endure the fiercest storms of life. The πλήμμυρα thus highlights the necessity of genuine, practical faith over mere superficial adherence. It underscores the eschatological reality that faith will be tested, and only that which is truly rooted in Christ will stand firm in the day of judgment or severe trial. The πλήμμυρα reveals the true nature of one's spiritual construction, exposing weaknesses and validating strength.
### Summary
πλήμμυρα (plḗmmyra, `{{G4132}}`) signifies a "flood" or "freshet," an overwhelming rush of water that exceeds its bounds. Derived from the verb "to fill," it conveys the sense of an abundant, often destructive, overflow. Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Luke 6:48]] is powerfully metaphorical, representing the severe trials and adversities that inevitably challenge one's life. In the parable of the two builders, the πλήμμυρα serves as the ultimate test of a house's foundation, symbolizing the critical importance of grounding one's life in active obedience to the teachings of Jesus Christ. The ability to withstand this "flood" signifies spiritual resilience and the enduring nature of a faith built upon the solid rock of Christ's words.
TRV