from a derivative of (to pour; akin to the base of 5490 through the idea of a channel), meaning a storm (as pouring rain); by implication, the rainy season, i.e. winter:--tempest, foul weather, winter.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **cheimṓn**, represented by `{{G5494}}`, describes a **storm**, **tempest**, or the season of **winter**. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible. Derived from a word meaning "to pour," it connects the idea of a storm with pouring rain to the rainy season of **winter**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G5494}}` carries both a literal and figurative weight. It describes a severe **tempest** at sea that led to a loss of hope [[Acts 27:20]]. It is also used in the context of weather prediction, where Jesus rebukes hypocrites for being able to discern signs of **foul weather** in the sky but not the spiritual signs of the times [[Matthew 16:3]]. The word also denotes the season of **winter**, establishing a specific timeframe for the Feast of the Dedication in Jerusalem [[John 10:22]] and serving as a period of difficulty to be avoided during a time of urgent flight ([[Matthew 24:20]]; [[Mark 13:18]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and impact of `{{G5494}}`:
* `{{G4768}}` **stygnázō** (lower, be sad): Used to describe the **sky** as **lowring** `{{G4768}}`, this word accompanies the prediction of **foul weather** `{{G5494}}` and paints a picture of a gloomy, overcast condition [[Matthew 16:3]].
* `{{G5437}}` **phygḗ** (flight): Believers are instructed to pray that their **flight** `{{G5437}}` does not occur in the **winter** `{{G5494}}`, highlighting the season's harsh conditions that would impede an urgent escape ([[Matthew 24:20]]; [[Mark 13:18]]).
* `{{G1680}}` **elpís** (hope): During a great **tempest** `{{G5494}}` at sea, the persistent storm leads to the complete loss of **hope** `{{G1680}}` that the crew would be saved, linking the word to moments of extreme peril [[Acts 27:20]].
* `{{G1456}}` **enkaínia** (dedication): The mention of **winter** `{{G5494}}` provides the seasonal setting for the feast of the **dedication** `{{G1456}}` in Jerusalem, anchoring the narrative in a specific time of year [[John 10:22]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5494}}` is found in its representation of trial and the need for spiritual awareness.
* **Symbol of Hardship and Peril:** **Winter** `{{G5494}}` and **tempest** `{{G5494}}` consistently represent periods of intense difficulty. This is seen in the life-threatening storm where all **hope** `{{G1680}}` was lost [[Acts 27:20]] and in the warning to pray that the disciples' **flight** `{{G5437}}` would not be during the harshness of **winter** ([[Matthew 24:20]]; [[Mark 13:18]]).
* **A Test of Discernment:** Jesus uses the ability to predict **foul weather** `{{G5494}}` as a metaphor for spiritual blindness. He rebukes the **hypocrites** `{{G5273}}` who can interpret the physical **sky** `{{G3772}}` but cannot **discern** `{{G1252}}` the more important signs of the times [[Matthew 16:3]].
* **Providential Setting:** The term often sets the stage for significant divine moments. The mention of **winter** `{{G5494}}` in [[John 10:22]] frames the events of the Feast of the **Dedication** `{{G1456}}`. The great **tempest** `{{G5494}}` in Acts becomes the backdrop for demonstrating God's power to save when human efforts fail [[Acts 27:20]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5494}}` is a term that encompasses both literal atmospheric conditions and the season of **winter**. It is used to describe a powerful **tempest** at sea [[Acts 27:20]] and to predict **foul weather** [[Matthew 16:3]]. Beyond its literal use, it marks periods of hardship, such as a difficult time for **flight** [[Matthew 24:20]], and serves as a key temporal marker for events like the Feast of the Dedication [[John 10:22]]. Ultimately, **cheimṓn** functions not just as a descriptor of weather, but as a backdrop for human struggle, divine intervention, and crucial lessons in spiritual perception.
TRV