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ἀνεμίζω

anemízō

G416 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

To be moved or agitated by the wind, specifically to be driven, tossed, or blown about by wind currents or gusts. In extended usage, describes figurative movement resembling the erratic or unstable action caused by the wind, such as being unsettled or wavering.

Semantic Range

to move by wind, to drive or toss with wind, to be blown about; figuratively, to be unsettled, to waver or be unstable

Root / Etymology

From the noun ἄνεμος ('wind') with the verb-forming suffix -ίζω, expressing the action caused by the wind.

Historical & Contextual Notes

ἀνεμίζω is a late and relatively rare verb in Greek literature, with a primary attestation in Koine Greek, especially within the New Testament (e.g., James 1:6). Unlike earlier classical terms for 'to be tossed' (such as κλυδωνίζω for 'to be tossed by waves'), ἀνεμίζω specifically evokes the force of wind rather than water. In its New Testament context, it is used metaphorically for instability or lack of steadfastness, presenting an image of something or someone driven to and fro by external, unpredictable factors. Traditional English translations like 'driven with the wind' or 'tossed by the wind' usually render the physical imagery, but may not fully capture its metaphorical applications, especially compared to other Greek expressions for 'wavering.' The root concept of motion by wind remains central throughout extant uses.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from ἄνεμος; to toss with the wind:--drive with the wind.

Root Family

ἀνεμίζω (anemizō) — wind, movement, to drive, to toss

Root ἀνεμ- wind, movement, to make move, to drive

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G416-01 ἀνεμιζομένῳ anemizomeno V PRS PASS PTCP DAT M SG driven by the wind being wind-driven being wind-driven 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G416-01 James 1:6 ἀνεμιζομένῳ anemizomeno V PRS PASS PTCP DAT M SG driven by the wind being wind-driven being wind-driven
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