Tempest-Tossed Faith: χειμάζω (Strong’s G5492: cheimazō) Reveals Divine Protection

Strong’s G5492: A maritime term meaning to toss about in a storm or winter weather, derived from χεῖμα (winter storm). Used metaphorically to describe severe tribulation or distress. In Acts 27:18, it portrays the violent storm that threatened Paul’s journey to Rome, symbolizing God’s sovereignty over life’s storms.

U- Unveiling the Word

χειμάζω (cheimazō) vividly depicts the experience of being storm-tossed, particularly in nautical contexts. The word encapsulates both the physical battering of ships by winter storms and the metaphorical turbulence of life’s trials. In the New Testament, it appears most notably in Acts 27, during Paul’s perilous voyage to Rome. The word carries deep theological significance, illustrating how God’s people may endure severe trials while remaining under His sovereign protection. Early church fathers often used this term to describe spiritual warfare and persecution, drawing parallels between physical storms and spiritual challenges. Today, it continues to resonate with believers facing various forms of tribulation, reminding them of God’s presence in their storms.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χειμάζω, cheimazō, khī-mä’-zō
• Pronunciation: “key-MAH-zoh”
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• χεῖμα (cheima) – winter, stormy weather
• -άζω (-azō) – verbal suffix indicating continuous or intensive action

D – Defining Meanings

• To expose to winter weather
• To toss about in a storm
• To afflict with distress

For compound words:
The root χεῖμα provides the core meaning of winter or storm, while the -άζω suffix adds the notion of ongoing action or state.

Translation Options:

• “to be storm-tossed” – captures the maritime context
• “to weather a storm” – emphasizes endurance
• “to be tempest-driven” – highlights the intensity of the experience

E – Exploring Similar Words

• χειμών (cheimōn) – winter, stormy weather G5494
• κλυδωνίζομαι (klydōnizomai) – to be tossed by waves G2831
• σαλεύω (saleuō) – to shake, agitate G4531

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

For Verbs:

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Active/Passive
• Mood: Indicative/Subjunctive
• Person: First/Second/Third
• Number: Singular/Plural
• Aspect: Progressive/Continuous

The verb can appear in various forms:

• χειμάζομαι (passive) – “I am being storm-tossed”
• χειμάζει (active) – “it storms”
• χειμαζόμενος (participle) – “being storm-tossed”

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

χειμάζω represents a specialized nautical term that gained broader metaphorical usage in Hellenistic Greek. BDAG emphasizes its primary meaning of experiencing severe weather conditions, particularly in maritime contexts. Thayer’s highlights its connection to winter storms and metaphorical application to tribulations. LSJ provides extensive classical usage examples, showing its evolution from purely meteorological contexts to metaphorical applications. Vine’s notes its single New Testament occurrence while emphasizing its vivid portrayal of severe distress. Strong’s connects it to the broader word family related to winter weather. Moulton and Milligan document its use in papyri, showing its practical application in ancient Mediterranean shipping documentation.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 27:18: “We were being violently storm-tossed [χειμάζω], so the next day they began to jettison the cargo.”

Additional References:
As this is a hapax legomenon (appears only once in the New Testament), there are no additional references.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

χειμάζω powerfully illustrates the reality of life’s storms and God’s sovereign care during turbulent times. Just as Paul’s ship was storm-tossed yet remained under divine protection, this word reminds us that even in our most challenging moments, we are never beyond the Messiah’s reach. The good news shines through this word as it reveals that our Lord is present in life’s storms, using them to strengthen our faith and demonstrate His faithfulness. This maritime metaphor continues to encourage believers that no storm is beyond His control.

D – Did You Know?

• χειμάζω is a hapax legomenon in the New Testament, appearing only in Acts 27:18
• Ancient Mediterranean sailors used this term in shipping contracts to describe hazardous winter sailing conditions
• The word influenced early Christian literature in describing spiritual warfare

Strong’s G5492: A maritime term meaning to toss about in a storm or winter weather, derived from χεῖμα (winter storm). Used metaphorically to describe severe tribulation or distress. In Acts 27:18, it portrays the violent storm that threatened Paul’s journey to Rome, symbolizing God’s sovereignty over life’s storms.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: storms, winter, tribulation, maritime, Acts, Paul’s journey, divine protection, trials, nautical terms, weather​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​