Torrential Path: χείμαρρος (Strong’s G5493: cheimarros) Marks Messiah’s Journey

Strong’s G5493: A compound word meaning “winter-flowing,” referring to a brook or torrent that flows during rainy seasons. Derived from χεῖμα (winter/storm) and ῥέω (to flow), it specifically describes the Kidron brook where Jesus crossed before His arrest, symbolizing the path to His sacrificial journey.

U- Unveiling the Word

The word χείμαρρος beautifully captures both natural and spiritual significance in Scripture. As a winter-flowing stream or torrent, it describes waterways that surge during rainy seasons but may run dry in summer months. This seasonal characteristic made such streams particularly noteworthy in the Holy Land’s landscape. The Kidron Valley, where this word appears in John 18:1, represented a significant geographical and spiritual boundary. When Jesus crossed this χείμαρρος, He was knowingly stepping toward His arrest and crucifixion, making this seemingly simple topographical detail pregnant with theological meaning. The early church recognized this crossing as a parallel to David’s crossing during his flight from Absalom, seeing it as a prophetic pattern fulfilled in the Messiah.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: χείμαρρος, cheimarros, /kheī’mar.ros/
• Detailed pronunciation: khay-MAR-ros (χεί like “khay”, μαρ like “mar”, ρος like “ros”)
• Part of Speech: Noun (Masculine)

Etymology:

• χεῖμα (winter/storm) – root word denoting winter or stormy weather
• ῥέω (to flow) – verb root meaning “to flow”
• -ος – masculine nominative singular ending

D – Defining Meanings

• Winter-flowing stream or brook
• Seasonal torrent
• Storm-water channel

For compound words:
χεῖμα contributes the concept of winter/stormy season, while ῥέω adds the notion of flowing water, creating a term for a seasonally active waterway.

Translation Options:

• Winter-brook – Most literal translation capturing seasonal nature
• Torrent – Emphasizes the rushing water characteristic
• Wadi – Geographically accurate for Middle Eastern context

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ποταμός (potamos) /po.ta.mos/ – regular river or stream – See G4215
• πηγή (pege) /pe.ge/ – spring or fountain – See G4077
• ῥεῦμα (rheuma) /rheu.ma/ – stream or flow – See G4511

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features:

• Case: Nominative/Accusative
• Number: Singular
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second

The word follows standard second declension patterns:

• Nominative: χείμαρρος
• Genitive: χειμάρρου
• Dative: χειμάρρῳ
• Accusative: χείμαρρον

Related words include the adjective χειμάρροος (flowing in winter) and the verb χειμαρρέω (to flow like a torrent).

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The lexical tradition provides rich insights into χείμαρρος. BDAG emphasizes its seasonal nature, specifically as a watercourse that flows during rainy seasons. Thayer’s highlights its compound nature and connects it to Hebrew usage, particularly in the Septuagint where it translates נַחַל (nachal). LSJ provides classical examples showing its use in Greek literature beyond biblical contexts. Vine’s draws attention to its singular New Testament usage in describing the Kidron. Moulton and Milligan note its presence in papyri, where it often appears in property descriptions and agricultural contexts, suggesting its practical significance in ancient life.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
John 18:1 “When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook [χείμαρρος] Kidron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples.”

Additional References:
2 Samuel 15:23 (Septuagint)
1 Kings 17:3 (Septuagint)
Psalm 110:7 (Septuagint)

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The χείμαρρος Kidron stands as a powerful symbol in the narrative of our Messiah’s passion. Just as David crossed this same brook in his exile, Jesus crossed it on His way to fulfill the Father’s will. This geographical detail carries deep theological significance – the winter-flowing stream marking a point of no return in salvation history. The seasonal nature of the χείμαρρος reminds us that God’s timing is perfect, and His plans flow with divine purpose. In crossing this brook, Jesus demonstrated His willing submission to the Father’s plan for our redemption.

D – Did You Know?

• The Kidron χείμαρρος still exists today, though it only flows during Jerusalem’s rainy season
• Ancient Jewish traditions associated the Kidron Valley with final judgment
• The word χείμαρρος appears over 90 times in the Septuagint, often describing significant biblical locations

Strong’s G5493: A compound word meaning “winter-flowing,” referring to a brook or torrent that flows during rainy seasons. Derived from χεῖμα (winter/storm) and ῥέω (to flow), it specifically describes the Kidron brook where Jesus crossed before His arrest, symbolizing the path to His sacrificial journey.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: winter-brook, torrent, Kidron, Jesus, passion narrative, geography, water, seasons, David, prophecy, typology​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​