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.
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).
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.
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.
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