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λίψ

líps

G3047 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A specific wind, typically the southwest wind, associated with bringing rain; in some contexts, may also refer to the general direction from which this wind originates or the southwestern point of the compass. Primarily denotes the meteorological phenomenon itself, not the direction alone.

Semantic Range

southwest wind, rain-bringing wind, southwestern compass direction, wind from the southwest

Root / Etymology

The etymology is uncertain. Some lexicographers attempt to connect λίψ to λείβω ('to pour'), due to the association with rain, but this derivation is uncertain and not universally accepted. The word appears to be of pre-Greek (possibly nautical) origin and is attested independently as a term for a particular wind.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In Greek usage, particularly from Homeric through Hellenistic periods, λίψ refers to the wind from the southwest, distinguished from other winds such as νότος (south), ζέφυρος (west), and βορέας (north). In meteorological and navigational contexts, it is often listed as one of the classical cardinal winds, valued by mariners for its association with rain-bringing weather. In the Septuagint and New Testament, its use is rare and mostly technical, reflecting inherited Greek meteorological schemes rather than distinctive Israelite/Judean meteorology. Standard English translations often render λίψ as 'southwest wind' or simply 'southwest,' but this may obscure its function as a specific weather term rather than a mere compass point. It does not carry symbolic meaning or refer to people or identities, and its nuance is meteorological rather than cultural.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

probably from (to pour a "libation"); the south(- west) wind (as bringing rain, i.e. (by extension) the south quarter):--southwest.

Root Family

λιπ- (liparós) — fat, oil, grease, richness, luxury

Root λιπ- wind, southwest, rain-bringing
Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
G3045 λιπαρός sumptuous things

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G3047-01 λίβα liba N ACC M SG southwest southwest wind the southwest wind 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G3047-01 Acts 27:12 λίβα liba N ACC M SG southwest southwest wind the southwest wind
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