Brief Overview of παραχειμασία (Strong’s G3915: paracheimasia)

Strong’s G3915: A compound noun derived from παραχειμάζω, meaning “wintering, spending the winter.” Used specifically in Acts 27:12 regarding a harbor’s suitability for winter anchorage. Reflects the critical importance of finding safe winter harbors in ancient Mediterranean navigation.

U- Unveiling the Word

παραχειμασία describes the act or place of wintering, particularly in maritime contexts. In its sole New Testament usage, it appears in the narrative of Paul’s journey to Rome, discussing the suitability of a harbor for winter shelter. The compound structure emphasizes the complete period of winter accommodation. Early church writers used this term both literally in historical accounts and metaphorically for spiritual endurance through difficult seasons. Today, it reminds us of the importance of finding safe harbor in both physical and spiritual storms.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: παραχειμασία, paracheimasia, /par-ah-khay-mah-SEE-ah/
• Detailed pronunciation: par (as in ‘par’) + ah + khay (as in ‘kay’) + mah + SEE (stressed) + ah
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• παρα- (para-): through
• χεῖμα (cheima): winter
• -σία (-sia): abstract noun suffix

D – Defining Meanings

• Winter quarters
• Act of wintering
• Winter harbor

For compound words:
παρα- indicates duration through a period, while χεῖμα provides the winter context, and -σία forms an abstract noun describing the state or action

Translation Options:

• “Wintering” – emphasizes the process
• “Winter quarters” – focuses on the location
• “Winter harbor” – specific to maritime context

E – Exploring Similar Words

• χειμασία (cheimasia) /khay-mah-SEE-ah/ – winter weather, without the duration emphasis
• διαχείμασις (diacheimasis) /dee-ah-KHAY-mah-sis/ – wintering through
• χειμερινή (cheiemerinē) /khay-mer-ee-NAY/ – wintry, of winter

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, παραχειμασία exhibits:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: 1st

Examples:
παραχειμασία (nom.)
παραχειμασίας (gen.)
παραχειμασίᾳ (dat.)
παραχειμασίαν (acc.)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its technical maritime usage. Thayer’s notes its specific reference to winter quarters. LSJ documents extensive usage in military and naval contexts. Vine’s highlights its practical significance in ancient navigation. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri examples of winter accommodation arrangements.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Since the harbor was unsuitable for [παραχειμασία] wintering, the majority decided to sail on” (Acts 27:12)

Additional References:
None in the New Testament

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

παραχειμασία represents a specific technical term for winter accommodation, particularly important in ancient maritime travel, emphasizing both the location and duration of winter shelter.

D – Did You Know?

• The term appears in a pivotal moment of Paul’s journey to Rome
• Ancient harbors were specifically evaluated for their winter protection capabilities
• The word influenced early Christian metaphors for spiritual shelter during trials

[Lexicon Summary]
A compound noun derived from παραχειμάζω, meaning “wintering, spending the winter.” Used specifically in Acts 27:12 regarding a harbor’s suitability for winter anchorage. Reflects the critical importance of finding safe winter harbors in ancient Mediterranean navigation.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: #noun #acts #paul #winter_harbor #maritime #navigation #compound_word #biblical_greek #new_testament #shelter​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​