θύελλα
thýella
G2366 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A violent windstorm, gale, or tempest marked by strong gusts and tumultuous force; in contexts, any violent atmospheric disturbance or whirlwind.
Semantic Range
violent windstorm, gale, tempest, violent atmospheric disturbance, whirlwind
Root / Etymology
From the root θύ- (as in θύω), meaning 'to rush,' 'to be in violent motion,' via the suffix -ελλα, forming a feminine noun. Emphasizes forceful and impetuous motion, especially of wind.
Historical & Contextual Notes
θύελλα is reserved for especially violent windstorms or outbursts in Hellenistic and Koine Greek, as distinct from other words for wind or storm, such as ἄνεμος (generic wind) or λαιλάψ (a squall or whirlwind). In classical literature, the term is often used for literal natural phenomena, rarely with metaphorical extensions. In Koine and the New Testament, θύελλα is used for sudden, overwhelming storms, such as those on the Sea of Galilee. The term is usually translated as 'tempest' or 'storm' in English Bibles, but implies a level of violence and destructiveness beyond a typical storm, akin to a gale or cyclone. LXX and New Testament usage aligns with this sense, emphasizing the suddenness and power of the event.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from θύω (in the sense of blowing) a storm:--tempest.
Root Family
θύελλα (thýella) — violent windstorm, gale, tempest, whirlwind, forceful rushing wind
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2366-01 |
θυέλλῃ | thuelle | N DAT F SG |
and tempest | to a violent windstorm | to a violent windstorm | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2366-01 |
Hebrews 12:18 | θυέλλῃ | thuelle | N DAT F SG |
and tempest | to a violent windstorm | to a violent windstorm |