Heavenly Harbor: χῶρος (Strong’s G5566: chōros) Reveals Divine Direction in Storms

Strong’s G5566: A maritime term denoting a specific wind direction (northwest), harbor, or place. Derived from ancient nautical terminology, χῶρος represented both physical location and navigational reference, particularly significant in Mediterranean seafaring. Used in Acts to describe a sheltered harbor facing southwest.

U- Unveiling the Word

χῶρος embodies both physical and directional significance in ancient maritime contexts. As a nautical term, it specifically referred to the northwest wind and, by extension, places or harbors affected by this wind. In Acts 27:12, it describes the harbor of Phoenix in Crete, which faced southwest. The term’s precision in maritime navigation demonstrates God’s sovereignty over creation and His guidance of His people through storms, both literal and metaphorical. Early church understanding of χῶρος reflected the Messiah’s authority over nature, reminiscent of His calming the storm. Today, it reminds believers that the Lord continues to guide His church through turbulent times, providing safe harbor in His presence.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χῶρος, chōros, /ˈkʰɔː.ros/
• Detailed pronunciation: khō’-ros (with aspirated ‘kh’ and long ‘ō’)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• Root: χῶρος (chōros)
• Derived from Proto-Indo-European *ǵʰeh₁- meaning “to release, let go”
• Related to ancient Greek concepts of space and place

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary place or space
• Northwest wind
• Harbor or haven
• Specific geographical location

For compound words: Not applicable as χῶρος is a simple noun

Translation Options:

• Northwest wind – most precise for meteorological contexts
• Harbor – appropriate for maritime contexts
• Place/location – general usage in geographical contexts

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τόπος (topos) /ˈto.pos/ – general place or location See G5117
• λιμήν (limēn) /liˈmēn/ – harbor or haven See G3040
• χώρα (chōra) /ˈkʰɔː.ra/ – country, region See G5561

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Morphological Features:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second declension

Examples:

• Nominative: χῶρος (chōros)
• Genitive: χώρου (chōrou)
• Dative: χώρῳ (chōrō)
• Accusative: χῶρον (chōron)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexical richness of χῶρος reveals its specialized maritime significance. BDAG emphasizes its connection to the northwest wind, while Thayer’s highlights its role in nautical navigation. LSJ provides extensive classical usage examples in maritime contexts. Vine’s notes its singular New Testament appearance in Acts 27:12. Strong’s connects it to spatial concepts, while Moulton and Milligan document its usage in papyri relating to navigation and harbor descriptions. LEH adds depth by linking it to Hellenistic maritime terminology. This technical term demonstrates the precision of biblical narrative in describing nautical events.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided that we should sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there. This was a harbor in Crete, facing both southwest and [χῶρος] northwest.” Acts 27:12

Additional References:
No additional references in Scripture.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

χῶρος uniquely captures the intersection of divine providence and maritime navigation in Scripture. Its precise technical meaning in Acts 27:12 demonstrates the Holy Spirit’s inspiration in accurately recording historical details. More profoundly, it reminds us that King Jesus is Lord over both wind and waves, guiding His people to safe harbor through life’s storms. This maritime term points to the Messiah as our ultimate refuge, the perfect χῶρος where we find shelter in times of trouble.

D – Did You Know?

• χῶρος is the only purely nautical wind direction term in the New Testament
• Ancient Mediterranean sailors used χῶρος as a crucial navigation reference point
• The term influenced modern meteorological terminology in Greek shipping

Strong’s G5566: A maritime term denoting a specific wind direction (northwest), harbor, or place. Derived from ancient nautical terminology, χῶρος represented both physical location and navigational reference, particularly significant in Mediterranean seafaring. Used in Acts to describe a sheltered harbor facing southwest.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: maritime, navigation, harbor, wind-direction, acts-27, paul’s-journey, greek-nautical-terms, mediterranean-sailing, divine-guidance​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​