Brisk Bite: ψῦχος (Strong’s G5592: psuchos) Chills Ancient Winter Tales

Strong’s G5592: From root ψύχω (psucho). Refers to cold weather, winter chill, or frost. Used in contexts describing physical coldness, particularly in John 18:18 depicting servants and officers warming themselves. Reflects both literal cold conditions and metaphorical spiritual states in Biblical narrative.

U- Unveiling the Word

ψῦχος (psuchos) primarily denotes cold or chilliness, particularly referring to winter weather or frost conditions. This noun captures not just temperature but the physical sensation and impact of cold. In its New Testament context, particularly in John 18:18, it appears during the night of Jesus’ trial, when servants and officers made a fire because of the cold. This setting adds poignant drama to Peter’s denial, as he warms himself by the same fire where he would deny his Lord. The early church recognized this word’s powerful imagery, often using it to describe both physical discomfort and spiritual coldness. Today, it reminds us of both literal environmental conditions and metaphorical spiritual states.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ψῦχος, psuchos, PSU-khos
• Detailed pronunciation: PSOO-khos (where ‘ps’ is pronounced together, ‘u’ as in ‘food’, and ‘kh’ as in Scottish ‘loch’)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: ψύχω (psucho) – to breathe, blow, make cold
• Suffix: -ος (os) – common nominal ending forming a neuter noun

D – Defining Meanings

• Cold weather
• Frost
• Chilliness
• Winter conditions

For compound words: Not a compound word

Translation Options:

• “Cold” – Most direct translation capturing the basic meaning
• “Winter chill” – Captures the seasonal and weather context
• “Frost” – Emphasizes the physical manifestation of cold

E – Exploring Similar Words

• κρύος (kruos, KROO-os) – extreme cold, icy conditions See G2977
• χειμών (cheimon, khay-MONE) – winter season, stormy weather See G5494

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

• Noun Features:
• Case: Nominative/Accusative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: 3rd

The word follows standard Greek neuter noun patterns. In English, it would primarily change in number (cold/colds) though this isn’t common usage.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG identifies ψῦχος as primarily denoting cold weather conditions, while Thayer’s emphasizes its connection to the root verb ψύχω. LSJ provides additional classical usage examples showing its consistent meaning across Greek literature. Vine’s notes its concrete nature rather than metaphorical usage in New Testament contexts. Strong’s connects it to the concept of breathing or blowing cold air. Moulton and Milligan document its usage in papyri, particularly in agricultural contexts regarding frost protection for crops.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
So when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and had sat down together, Peter sat down with them because of the [ψῦχος] cold.

Additional References:
Acts 28:2
2 Corinthians 11:27

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

ψῦχος represents more than just temperature in Biblical narrative. In John’s Gospel, it sets the scene for Peter’s denial, creating a vivid picture of physical and spiritual conditions. The word reminds us that Jesus’ followers experienced real human discomfort, yet Christ endured far worse for our salvation. This physical cold points to our need for spiritual warmth found only in Christ’s presence. The good news is that Jesus provides not just physical comfort but spiritual warmth that transforms our cold hearts into burning witnesses for His kingdom.

D – Did You Know?

1. The word appears in ancient medical texts describing hypothermia treatments
2. Classical Greek poetry used ψῦχος metaphorically for emotional distance
3. Early Christian writers used it to describe spiritual apathy

Strong’s G5592: A neuter noun derived from ψύχω (psucho), ψῦχος denotes cold weather or chilly conditions. Used in biblical contexts to describe physical cold, particularly in narrative settings. Carries both literal and metaphorical significance in ancient literature, especially regarding weather conditions and human comfort.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: cold, winter, weather, temperature, physical-conditions, biblical-weather, Peters-denial, John’s-Gospel, climate, natural-phenomena​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​