Cold Comfort: ψυχρός (Strong’s G5593: psychros) Chills Your Understanding

Strong’s G5593: From ψῦχος (cold), ψυχρός denotes physical coldness but extends metaphorically to spiritual indifference. Used in classical and biblical Greek to describe both literal temperature and figurative spiritual states, particularly notable in addressing lukewarm faith in Revelation.

U – Unveiling the Word

The term ψυχρός fundamentally denotes physical coldness or chilliness, deriving from the root meaning “to breathe, blow, or make cool.” In New Testament usage, it carries both literal and metaphorical significance. The literal meaning appears in contexts involving cold water or temperature, while its metaphorical usage becomes particularly potent in describing spiritual conditions. In Revelation 3:15-16, it forms part of a crucial metaphor contrasting spiritual temperatures, where being “cold” is actually presented as preferable to being lukewarm. This metaphorical extension of temperature to spiritual state remained influential in early Christian writings and continues to resonate in modern theological discussions about commitment and authenticity in faith.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ψυχρός, psychros, /psü-khros’/
• Detailed pronunciation: PSOO-khros (where ‘ps’ is pronounced together, ‘u’ as in ‘food’, and ‘kh’ is a rough ‘h’ sound)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• ψυχ- (psych-): root meaning “cold, chill”
• -ρός (-ros): adjectival suffix indicating a state or quality

D – Defining Meanings

• Cold, chilly (physical temperature)
• Cool, refreshing (of water)
• Cold, indifferent (metaphorical)

For compound words: Not a compound word

Translation Options:

• “Cold” – Most direct translation, suitable for both literal and metaphorical contexts
• “Chilly” – Appropriate for physical contexts
• “Refreshing” – Specific to contexts involving water or drinks

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ψῦχος (psychos) /psü’-khos/ – specifically refers to cold weather or winter – See G5592
• παγετός (pagetos) /pä-ge-tos’/ – refers to frost or intense cold – See G3925

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Adjective features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: Second declension

Examples:

• Masculine nominative singular: ψυχρός
• Feminine nominative singular: ψυχρά
• Neuter nominative singular: ψυχρόν

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG and Thayer’s both emphasize the word’s primary meaning of physical coldness, particularly in reference to water temperature. LSJ provides extensive classical usage examples showing its evolution from purely physical descriptions to metaphorical applications. Vine’s expands on its metaphorical usage in Revelation, noting the spiritual implications. Moulton and Milligan’s papyri findings demonstrate its common usage in everyday contexts, particularly in medical texts and commercial documents regarding food and drink storage. The lexicons consistently note its development from describing physical temperature to spiritual conditions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of [cold] [ψυχρός] water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”

Additional References:
Matthew 10:42
Revelation 3:15
Revelation 3:16

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The term ψυχρός provides a fascinating window into both physical and spiritual understanding in biblical literature. Its use in Matthew demonstrates Christ’s attention to even the smallest acts of kindness, while in Revelation it becomes part of a powerful metaphor for spiritual commitment. The word reminds us that God desires authentic relationship – either full devotion or honest seeking – rather than lukewarm indifference. This speaks to the gospel’s call for genuine response to Jesus’s lordship.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word shares its root with “psyche,” though they developed different semantic ranges
2. In ancient medical texts, ψυχρός was considered one of the four primary qualities of matter
3. The metaphorical usage in Revelation influenced Christian literature for centuries

Strong’s G5593: A versatile adjective denoting physical coldness and metaphorical spiritual states. From ψῦχος (cold), it appears in both literal contexts regarding temperature and figurative contexts regarding spiritual condition, notably in Jesus’s teachings and Revelation’s church messages.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: temperature, cold, spiritual-state, revelation, metaphor, water, discipleship, Greek-adjectives, biblical-metaphors​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​