Summary
Quick facts
- Strong’s Number
- G5492
- Original Word
- χειμάζω
- Transliteration
- cheimázō
- Pronunciation
- khi-mad'-zo
- Part of Speech
- verb
- Category
- Creation, Warnings in Love
- Root / Etymology
- from the same as G5494 (χειμών);
- Frequency
- 1×
- Gematria
- 1463
Where it appears
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Definition
Strong 1890 to storm, i.e. (passively) to labor under a gale
be tossed with tempest
from the same as G5494 (χειμών);

Commentary
Contributors: · · · ·
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.
N - Necessary Information
Etymology:
D - Defining Meanings
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:
E - Exploring Similar Words
R - Reviewing the Word's Morphology
For Verbs:
The verb can appear in various forms:
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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?
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