### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G5285 (hypopnéō) is a compound word derived from the preposition ὑπό (hypo), meaning "under," "beneath," or indicating a lesser degree or gentle action, and the verb πνέω (pneō, `{{G4154}}`), meaning "to blow" or "to breathe." The combination thus signifies "to blow gently," "to breathe softly," or "to breeze." It describes a subtle, mild movement of air, contrasting with the forceful or strong winds that πνέω might otherwise describe on its own or in other compounds. The nuance imparted by ὑπό emphasizes a less intense, perhaps even deceptive, softness in the wind's action. Its semantic range is narrow, specifically denoting this gentle air current.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G5285 (hypopnéō) appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Acts 27:13]]. The context is the perilous sea voyage of Paul and his companions to Rome. The passage reads: "Now when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close inshore."
This single occurrence is highly significant. The "south wind" (νότος) blowing "softly" (ὑποπνέω) created a deceptive sense of security and favorable conditions for the sailors. They believed they had achieved their objective and could safely continue their journey. However, this gentle breeze was merely a prelude to a violent northeasterly tempest, "the Euroclydon" (or Euraquilo, as some manuscripts read), which soon struck the ship with devastating force, as described in [[Acts 27:14]]. The hypopnéō here serves as a crucial narrative detail, highlighting the initial, misleading calm that enticed the sailors into a dangerous decision, ultimately leading to shipwreck. It underscores the fragility of human judgment when based on superficial appearances.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root verb πνέω (pneō, `{{G4154}}`), from which G5285 is formed. While πνέω can simply mean "to blow" or "to breathe" (e.g., [[John 3:8]]), hypopnéō specifies the *manner* of blowing as gentle or soft. This distinction is crucial in the narrative of Acts 27, where the soft blow is contrasted with the subsequent violent "typhonic wind" (τυφωνικός, `{{G5189}}`) mentioned in [[Acts 27:14]].
Other related terms include πνεῦμα (pneuma, `{{G4151}}`), which can mean "spirit," "wind," or "breath," illustrating the broader semantic field of air movement and spiritual force. Words for "wind" in general, such as ἄνεμος (anemos, `{{G417}}`), are also relevant, as hypopnéō describes a particular type of anemos. The concept of "deception" or "false calm" is also intrinsically linked, as the gentle wind in Acts 27:13 lulled the sailors into a false sense of security, contrasting with Paul's earlier warning in [[Acts 27:10]].
### Theological Significance
The singular use of G5285 (hypopnéō) in [[Acts 27:13]] carries profound theological weight. The "soft south wind" represents a deceptive appearance of favor or ease that, unchecked by divine wisdom or discernment, can lead to disaster. The sailors, relying on their own experience and the seemingly benign conditions, disregarded Paul's prophetic warning. This incident serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual discernment.
Theologically, it reminds believers that not all seemingly "favorable" circumstances are truly beneficial or divinely ordained. Just as a gentle breeze can precede a devastating storm, so too can apparent ease or worldly success mask underlying dangers or lead one away from God's intended path. The narrative highlights the tension between human perception and divine foresight. Paul, guided by the Holy Spirit, foresaw the peril, while the ship's captain and owner, swayed by the hypopnéō, made a fatal misjudgment. This passage implicitly teaches the importance of trusting God's guidance, even when circumstances appear benign, and exercising spiritual discernment to look beyond superficial appearances. It underscores the sovereignty of God, who can use even a deceptive "soft wind" to advance His purposes, ultimately leading Paul to Rome as prophesied.
### Summary
G5285 (hypopnéō) precisely denotes a "soft" or "gentle blowing," a nuanced term formed from ὑπό (under/gently) and πνέω (to blow). Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Acts 27:13]] is highly significant, describing the deceptive south wind that lulled Paul's shipmates into a false sense of security before a violent storm. This rare word powerfully illustrates the danger of trusting in superficial appearances or favorable initial conditions without divine discernment. Theologically, it serves as a potent reminder for believers to seek God's wisdom and not be swayed by seemingly benign circumstances that may conceal greater perils, reinforcing the need for spiritual vigilance and trust in God's sovereign leading over human judgment.
TRV