Seasonal Storms: χειμών (Strong’s G5494: cheimon) Reveals Divine Timing

Strong’s G5494: From a derivative of cheo (to pour); a storm (as pouring rain); by implication, the rainy season, tempest; figuratively, tumult or winter period – culturally significant in Mediterranean climate patterns and Biblical metaphors.

U- Unveiling the Word

The Greek word χειμών (cheimon) carries rich temporal and meteorological significance in Biblical usage. Originally denoting stormy, winter weather, it evolved to encompass both the winter season and severe storms. In Mediterranean culture, χειμών marked a crucial agricultural and navigational timeframe, often determining sailing seasons and farming cycles. This word’s dual meaning of both winter and storm provides powerful metaphorical applications in Scripture, particularly in passages about divine timing and spiritual preparedness. Early church fathers often used χειμών to illustrate spiritual trials and God’s sovereignty over both natural and spiritual seasons, a concept that remains deeply relevant for believers today who face their own storms while trusting in divine timing.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χειμών, cheimon, khi-mone
• Pronunciation: khay-mone’ (emphasis on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: χέω (cheo) – to pour
• Suffix: -μων (-mon) – forms agent nouns
• Function: Indicates the result or season of pouring (rain)

D – Defining Meanings

• Winter season
• Storm, tempest
• Rainy period
• Metaphorically: time of trouble or turbulence

For compound words:
Not a compound word, but derives from χέω with the -μων suffix indicating resultant state or season

Translation Options:

• “Winter” – when referring to the season specifically
• “Storm” – when describing meteorological events
• “Tempest” – when emphasizing severity and tumult

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ζάλη (zale, dzah’-lay) – surge of the sea, tempest See G2366
• λαῖλαψ (lailaps, lay’-laps) – hurricane, whirlwind See G2978
• θύελλα (thuella, thoo’-el-lah) – hurricane, tempest See G2366

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Declines in all cases (Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative)
• Number: Singular and Plural forms
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Third declension

Examples:

• Nominative: χειμών (winter/storm)
• Genitive: χειμῶνος (of winter/storm)
• Dative: χειμῶνι (to/for winter/storm)
• Accusative: χειμῶνα (winter/storm as object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons present χειμών as a multifaceted term with both literal and metaphorical significance. BDAG emphasizes its primary meaning as the winter season, while also noting its usage for storms and tempests. Thayer’s highlights its connection to the verb χέω, suggesting the concept of “pouring” weather. LSJ provides extensive classical usage examples, showing its evolution from describing stormy weather to denoting the winter season. Vine’s notes its metaphorical usage in describing spiritual turbulence. Moulton and Milligan’s papyri findings demonstrate its common usage in everyday contexts, particularly in agricultural and maritime documents, where knowing the χειμών was crucial for safety and timing decisions.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 16:3 “And in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy [χειμών], for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.”

Additional References:
John 10:22, Acts 27:20, 2 Timothy 4:21

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

Author: Work	Text
Homer: Iliad	“As when the west wind buffets the deep grain at the winter’s [χειμών] coming”
Herodotus: Histories	“They waited out the storm [χειμών] before attempting to round the peninsula”
Xenophon: Anabasis	“The winter [χειμών] proved harsh, with snow covering the mountain passes”

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word χειμών serves as a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty over both natural and spiritual seasons. Its dual meaning of winter and storm provides rich imagery for understanding divine timing and spiritual preparation. Just as ancient mariners respected the χειμών and adjusted their plans accordingly, believers today can trust in the Lord’s perfect timing, even amid life’s storms. This word teaches us that seasons of difficulty (χειμών) are temporary and under God’s control, pointing to the Messiah’s power over both natural elements and spiritual warfare.

D – Did You Know?

• Ancient Mediterranean sailors used χειμών to define the dangerous sailing season, typically avoiding sea travel from November to March
• The word appears in early Christian catacomb inscriptions, often symbolizing the “winter” of death before resurrection
• Modern Greek still uses χειμώνας (derived from χειμών) as its primary word for winter

Strong’s G5494: From a derivative of cheo (to pour); a storm (as pouring rain); by implication, the rainy season, tempest; figuratively, tumult or winter period – culturally significant in Mediterranean climate patterns and Biblical metaphors.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: winter, storm, season, weather, tempest, timing, divine-seasons, Mediterranean-culture, biblical-weather, spiritual-trials​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​