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Introduction
Understanding the original Greek words in Biblical studies can profoundly impact our interpretation of the New Testament. One such word is θέρμη (thermē), which holds significant meaning in both its biblical and cultural contexts. The term provides insights not only into ancient practices and daily life but also into how metaphors related to warmth and fervor are understood in theological discourse.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: θέρμη (thermē), pronounced [THER-may].
- Etymology: Derived from the Greek root θερμός (thermos), meaning “hot” or “heat.”
- Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine; no specific declension noted.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- Heat: The basic and most direct meaning of θέρμη is “heat,” particularly the heat generated by fire.
- Warmth: In a broader sense, it can denote general warmth, such as the warmth one might feel near a fire or from another heat source.
Similar Words: θερμός (thermos), pronounced [ther-MOS], is an adjective meaning “warm” or “hot.” While θερμός describes something possessing heat, θέρμη specifically refers to the state or presence of heat itself. Another related word is ζέω (zeō), pronounced [DZAY-o], meaning “to boil” or “to be fervent,” which captures the intensity of heat but in a more dynamic sense.
Further Insights: θέρμη can be understood through its relation to words connected to warmth, fervor, and heat in both literal and metaphorical contexts. While θέρμη primarily describes physical heat, the term ζέω (zeō), often associated with boiling or seething, extends into the idea of passionate intensity. Such linguistic connections help readers appreciate the nuanced differences in Greek terms for heat-related concepts.
Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek: Understanding Greek Grammar: A Beginner’s Guide.
Lexicon Insights
- BDAG: The BDAG lexicon notes θέρμη as a term referring to “heat,” typically arising from fire. It emphasizes the straightforward, literal usage of the word in the New Testament.
- Thayers: Thayer’s lexicon aligns with BDAG, describing θέρμη as “heat” or “warmth” generated by a flame or fire.
- Vines: In Vine’s Expository Dictionary, θέρμη is discussed under terms related to fire and heat, particularly focusing on its use in Acts 28:3 to describe the physical warmth that prompted a snake to react.
- LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) lexicon provides a broader historical context, where θέρμη can also be associated with the heat of summer or hot weather in classical Greek literature.
- Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Strong’s Concordance identifies θέρμη as “heat,” specifically emphasizing its application in the New Testament in Acts 28:3 to denote fire-induced heat.
Related Scripture References
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- Acts 28:3: “But when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat (θέρμη) and fastened on his hand.”
In this verse, θέρμη is used to describe the literal heat from a fire. The word provides a vivid image of a scene where warmth and danger intersect, as the heat causes a snake to react.
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Plato | Laws | “The body, overcome by heat (θέρμη) and thirst…” |
| Hippocrates | On Airs, Waters, and Places | “The seasons being hot in summer and producing much heat (θέρμη).” |
| Xenophon | Memorabilia | “He stayed near the fire to enjoy the warmth (θέρμη) it produced.” |
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Septuagint Example 1 | Psalms | “Like wax melts before the fire, so do the wicked perish before heat (θέρμη).” |
| Septuagint Example 2 | Genesis | “The sun rose upon the earth with burning heat (θέρμη), and the plants withered.” |
| Septuagint Example 3 | Isaiah | “The Lord will scorch the earth with great heat (θέρμη).” |
Summary of θέρμη (G2329: thermē)
The Greek word θέρμη (thermē), meaning “heat” or “warmth,” is used in the New Testament to denote literal warmth, particularly the heat from fire, as seen in Acts 28:3. Its application in classical literature and the Septuagint broadens its meaning to encompass various contexts of heat, from environmental warmth to metaphorical representations of fervor or intensity. Understanding θέρμη within these varied contexts allows readers to appreciate its usage and implications, both in biblical texts and broader ancient Greek culture.
Did You Know?
- Did you know that the Greek word θέρμη is where we get the prefix “thermo-” used in English today, such as in “thermometer” and “thermostat”? The word has traveled through time to find new applications in modern language, yet its basic meaning remains the same—related to heat and warmth.
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