### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **chálaza**, represented by `{{G5464}}`, is defined as **hail**. It appears 4 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. All its occurrences are found in the book of Revelation, where it is consistently depicted as a destructive element of divine judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G5464}}` is used to describe cataclysmic events. It is listed as one of the plagues of the first trumpet judgment, where **hail** and fire mingled with blood are cast upon the earth, burning up a third of the trees and all green grass [[Revelation 8:7]]. It also appears as "great **hail**" in conjunction with lightnings, thunderings, and an earthquake after the temple of God is opened in heaven [[Revelation 11:19]]. In its final appearance, a "great **hail**" with stones the weight of a talent falls from heaven, and the resulting plague is so severe that it causes men to blaspheme God [[Revelation 16:21]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words appear alongside **chálaza**, highlighting its context as part of a larger divine display of power:
* `{{G4442}}` **pŷr** (fire): This word for **fire** is described as being "mingled" with hail in the plague that is cast upon the earth [[Revelation 8:7]].
* `{{G1027}}` **brontḗ** (thunder): Defined as **thunder** or thunderings, this event occurs with great hail and an earthquake when the ark is seen in God's temple in heaven [[Revelation 11:19]].
* `{{G4578}}` **seismós** (earthquake): Meaning an **earthquake** or a commotion, this term is used to describe a great shaking of the ground that happens at the same time as the great hail [[Revelation 11:19]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5464}}` is focused on its role as an instrument of divine judgment.
* **Divine Plague:** The word is explicitly identified as a "plague." The plague of the **hail** is described as "exceeding great," directly causing men to blaspheme God in response to its severity [[Revelation 16:21]].
* **Heavenly Origin:** The source of the **hail** is consistently portrayed as being from heaven, emphasizing its divine nature. It is "cast upon the earth" [[Revelation 8:7]] and falls "out of heaven" [[Revelation 16:21]].
* **Cataclysmic Power:** The term is always associated with overwhelming force. It is called "great **hail**" ([[Revelation 11:19]], 16:21) and is grouped with other destructive phenomena like fire, thunder, and earthquakes, underscoring its role in apocalyptic events.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5464}}` is far more than a simple meteorological term. Within scripture, **chálaza** functions exclusively as a powerful symbol of divine wrath in the book of Revelation. Its use alongside other destructive forces like fire and earthquakes illustrates its significance as a specific and terrifying plague sent from heaven to enact God's judgment on the earth.
TRV