Divine Protection Amid Storms: τυφωνικός (Strong’s G5189: typhōnikos) Shows God’s Power

Strong’s G5189: From τυφών (a whirlwind); tempestuous, like a hurricane or typhoon. Used specifically in Acts to describe the violent northeastern wind that threatened Paul’s voyage, demonstrating God’s sovereignty over nature’s most powerful forces.

U – Unveiling the Word

τυφωνικός describes a violently rotating windstorm, similar to what we would call a typhoon or hurricane. In its New Testament context, it appears during Paul’s perilous voyage to Rome, where it describes the devastating “Euroclydon” or northeastern storm that threatened the ship. The term carries special significance as it demonstrates both nature’s raw power and God’s ultimate authority over it. The early church saw in this word a powerful illustration of how God’s providence operates even through natural disasters. Today, it continues to remind us that no storm, literal or metaphorical, is beyond His control.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: τυφωνικός, typhōnikos, /tyfoːˈni.kos/
• Pronunciation: too-foh-NEE-kos
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: τυφών (typhōn) meaning “whirlwind”
• Suffix: -ικός (-ikos) forming adjectives
• Function: Describes something with the characteristics of a typhoon

D – Defining Meanings

• Tempestuous
• Like a whirlwind
• Hurricane-force
• Violently stormy

For compound words: Not applicable as τυφωνικός is not a compound word

Translation Options:

• “Typhoon-like” – Best captures the rotating storm nature
• “Tempestuous” – Emphasizes the violent nature
• “Hurricane-force” – Modern equivalent understanding

E – Exploring Similar Words

• λαῖλαψ (lailaps, /ˈlai.laps/) – violent storm See G2978
• θύελλα (thyella, /ˈθy.el.la/) – whirlwind See G2366
• ἄνεμος (anemos, /ˈa.ne.mos/) – wind See G417

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Adjective Features:

• Case: Nominative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: First/Second

Examples:

• Masculine: τυφωνικός
• Feminine: τυφωνική
• Neuter: τυφωνικόν
• Plural: τυφωνικοί

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexical sources provide rich detail about τυφωνικός. BDAG emphasizes its connection to the specific Mediterranean storm type. Thayer’s notes its derivation from Typhon, the mythological storm giant. LSJ documents its technical usage in ancient meteorology. Vine’s highlights its unique appearance in Acts’ narrative. Strong’s connects it to circular wind motion. Moulton and Milligan show its usage in maritime contexts. The term specifically described a feared type of Mediterranean storm known for its sudden onset and devastating power.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
Acts 27:14: “But not long after, a tempestuous [τυφωνικός] wind, called Euroclydon, arose against it.”

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in Scripture.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Aristotle: Meteorology	“The whirlwind [τυφωνικός] descends from the clouds with great force.”
Strabo: Geography	“The coast is prone to violent [τυφωνικός] storms in winter.”
Plutarch: Lives	“The fleet was scattered by a typhoon-like [τυφωνικός] wind.”

N – Noteworthy Summary

τυφωνικός powerfully illustrates God’s sovereignty over nature’s most destructive forces. In Paul’s journey, this fearsome storm became an opportunity for God to demonstrate His faithfulness and power. The good news shines through as we see that King Jesus, who calmed the storms during His earthly ministry, continues to exercise authority over every tempest we face. Even the most violent storms serve His purposes and cannot thwart His plans for His people.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word typhoon derives from this Greek term via Arabic and Persian
2. Ancient sailors particularly feared this type of storm for its circular motion
3. The Euroclydon was a specific northern wind known for its sudden violence

Strong’s G5189: An adjective describing a violently rotating windstorm, used specifically in Acts to identify the dangerous Mediterranean storm that threatened Paul’s voyage to Rome, demonstrating God’s sovereign control over nature’s most powerful forces.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: storms, typhoon, Paul’s voyage, divine protection, natural disasters, maritime terms, God’s sovereignty, Mediterranean, navigation, weather, divine providence, Acts narrative​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​