Heavenly Hailstones: χάλαζα (Strong’s G5464: chalaza) Signals Divine Judgment

Strong’s G5464: A noun denoting hail or hailstones, derived from ancient Greek χάλαζα (chalaza). Used in Scripture to symbolize divine judgment and supernatural manifestations of God’s power, particularly in apocalyptic literature. Often associated with cosmic disturbances and divine intervention in both biblical and classical contexts.

U – Unveiling the Word

The Greek word χάλαζα represents more than mere meteorological phenomena – it carries profound theological significance in Scripture. While its primary meaning is “hail” or “hailstones,” its usage often transcends natural weather events to symbolize divine judgment and supernatural intervention. In apocalyptic literature, particularly Revelation, χάλαζα appears as part of cosmic disturbances heralding God’s decisive actions. The early church understood these hailstones as both literal and metaphorical manifestations of divine power, similar to the plagues of Egypt. Today, this word reminds us of God’s sovereignty over nature and His ability to use creation itself as an instrument of His purposes.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χάλαζα, chalaza, /khaˈlaza/
• Detailed pronunciation: khah-LAH-zah (emphasis on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Feminine Noun

Etymology:

• Root: χάλ- (chal-) relating to loosening or releasing
• Suffix: -αζα (-aza) forming feminine nouns
• Possibly related to χαλάω (chalaō), meaning “to let down” or “release”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: Hail, hailstones
• Meteorological phenomenon of frozen precipitation
• Symbol of divine judgment or supernatural intervention

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

Translation Options:

• Hail – Most direct and common translation
• Hailstones – Emphasizes the physical form and impact
• Hailstorm – Captures the collective phenomenon

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ὑετός (huetos) /hooeh-TOS/ – rain in general – See G5205
• βροχή (brochē) /bro-KHAY/ – heavy rain – See G1028
• νιφετός (niphetos) /nee-feh-TOS/ – snowfall (rare in NT) – See G3542

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological features as a feminine noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First declension

Example morphological forms:

• Nominative singular: χάλαζα
• Genitive singular: χαλάζης
• Dative singular: χαλάζῃ
• Accusative singular: χάλαζαν

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide a rich understanding of χάλαζα. BDAG emphasizes its usage in apocalyptic literature, particularly noting its significance in Revelation as a sign of divine judgment. Thayer’s lexicon connects it to classical Greek usage where it often appeared in descriptions of natural disasters. LSJ provides evidence of its use in medical literature, where it described hard formations similar to hailstones. Vine’s expands on its metaphorical significance in Scripture, while Moulton and Milligan document its usage in papyri describing agricultural damage from hailstorms. The word consistently carries both literal and symbolic weight across various contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
The first angel sounded his trumpet, and there came [hail (χάλαζα)] and fire mixed with blood, and it was hurled down on the earth. A third of the earth was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up. Revelation 8:7

Additional References:
Revelation 11:19
Revelation 16:21

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word χάλαζα carries profound significance in biblical literature, serving as both a natural phenomenon and a powerful symbol of divine intervention. Its appearances in Revelation particularly underscore God’s sovereignty over creation and His ability to use natural elements for His purposes. This word reminds us that the Messiah is Lord over all creation, wielding authority over every aspect of the natural world. The good news is that while χάλαζα often symbolizes judgment, it also demonstrates God’s perfect justice and the certainty of His promises being fulfilled.

D – Did You Know?

• The largest hailstone ever recorded was larger than the hailstones described in Revelation 16:21
• Ancient Greek farmers had specific prayers and rituals to protect their crops from χάλαζα
• The word appears in ancient medical texts to describe hard nodules in the body

Strong’s G5464: A feminine noun denoting hail or hailstones, derived from ancient Greek χάλαζα (chalaza). Used in Scripture to symbolize divine judgment and supernatural manifestations of God’s power, particularly in apocalyptic literature. Often associated with cosmic disturbances and divine intervention in both biblical and classical contexts.

Part of speech: Feminine Noun

Tags: judgment, apocalyptic, weather, divine-intervention, supernatural-signs, revelation, plagues, creation, nature, divine-power​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​