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ἀτμίς

atmís

G822 noun

SILEX Entry

Root ἀτμ- vapor, mist, steam, exhalation

Definition

A mass or column of fine water droplets suspended in the air; mist, vapor. In Greek literature, refers to a visible exhalation such as steam, smoke, or breath that rises and dissipates. In extended contexts, suggests something ephemeral or transient, like a vapor that quickly disappears. Often used metaphorically to emphasize impermanence or insubstantiality.

Semantic Range

mist, vapor, steam, breath, transient exhalation, visible emanation, something fleeting or insubstantial

Root / Etymology

Derived from the root ἀτμ- (atm-), related to 'exhalation, vapor,' which may be associated with ἀτμός in earlier Greek, itself perhaps related to the verb ἀτέμνω (to cut, to divide, possibly from the idea of dispersion), but this is debated. Ultimately may share origins with the root for 'breath' or 'air,' but precise etymology is uncertain.

Historical & Contextual Notes

Attested in classical Greek (e.g., Herodotus, Plato) with meanings relating to physical vapor, steam, or breath. In the Septuagint and New Testament, ἀτμίς frequently occurs in figurative and poetic contexts, signifying the fleeting or transient nature of life or certain phenomena (e.g., James 4:14). LXX usage translates Hebrew terms like אֵד (ēd, 'mist') or הֶבֶל (hevel, 'vapor, breath') depending on context, though not always consistently. Standard English translations as 'vapor' or 'mist' generally convey the physical sense but may understate metaphorical meanings of transience. Distinguished from ἀήρ (air, atmosphere) by greater emphasis on visibility, condensation, and brevity, and from καπνός (smoke) by less association with burning or fire.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from the same as ἀήρ; mist:--vapour.

Root Family

ἀτμίς (atmis) — vapor, mist, steam, exhalation

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G822-01 ἀτμίδα atmida N ACC F SG vapor vapor vapor 1
G822-02 ἀτμὶς atmis N NOM F SG vapor vapor vapor 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G822-01 Acts 2:19 ἀτμίδα atmida N ACC F SG vapor vapor vapor
G822-02 James 4:14 ἀτμὶς atmis N NOM F SG vapor vapor vapor
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