Brief Overview of ἀτμίς (G822: atmís)

1. Brief Overview:

Transliteration: atmís

Root Words: The word ἀτμίς (atmís) is derived from the Greek ἀτμή (atmē), which means “steam” or “vapor.”

Primary Meanings:

• Steam: Refers to the visible mist or vapor produced by boiling water.
• Vapor: A general term for the gaseous state of a substance that is normally liquid or solid at room temperature.
• Exhalation: Can also mean the act of emitting steam or vapor.

2. Detailed Description:

BDAG: BDAG defines ἀτμίς as “steam” or “vapor,” focusing on its use to describe the gaseous form of water or similar substances. It highlights its role in both physical and metaphorical contexts, such as the fleeting or insubstantial nature of something.

Thayer’s: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon describes ἀτμίς as “steam” or “vapor,” emphasizing its literal and figurative uses. It illustrates how the term is used to convey the idea of something transient or ephemeral.

Vines: Vines’ Expository Dictionary highlights ἀτμίς as referring to “steam” or “vapor,” noting its use in biblical contexts to symbolize the brevity or impermanence of life or human endeavors.

LSJ: The LSJ Lexicon defines ἀτμίς as “steam” or “vapor,” with a focus on its appearance and use in various contexts, including its metaphorical implications.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s defines ἀτμίς as “steam” or “vapor,” providing a straightforward description of its primary meaning.

Bible Verses:

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• James 4:14 (KJV): “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”
• In this verse, ἀτμίς is translated as “vapor,” symbolizing the fleeting nature of human life.
• Psalm 39:5 (KJV): “Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.”
• The term used for “vanity” in this context reflects the concept of ἀτμίς, highlighting the transient nature of human existence.

3. Classic Greek Literature:

Usage in Classic Greek Literature:

• Homer: In works like the Iliad and Odyssey, Homer uses ἀτμίς to describe the steam or vapor from various sources, such as boiling water or sacrifices.
• Hesiod: In Works and Days, Hesiod uses the term to describe the vapor arising from fields or natural processes.
• Aristotle: In his Meteorology, Aristotle refers to ἀτμίς in the context of atmospheric phenomena, discussing the role of steam and vapor in weather patterns.

4. Summary:

ἀτμίς (atmís) is a Greek term meaning “steam” or “vapor,” representing the gaseous state of a substance that is typically liquid or solid at room temperature. It conveys the idea of something ephemeral or transient, often used metaphorically to describe the fleeting nature of life or human endeavors. In biblical texts, ἀτμίς illustrates the impermanence of human existence, while classic Greek literature uses it in both literal and descriptive contexts. Understanding ἀτμίς helps to appreciate its symbolic use in literature and its role in illustrating the transient nature of physical and metaphorical concepts.