Greek word · G2366

θύελλα

thyella

storm

A sudden violent storm-wind, squall or whirlwind.

Appears once in the Greek New Testament. ·

What it means

θύελλα, -ης, ἡ

(θύω), [in LXX Deuteronomy 4:11 5:22 (עֲרָפֶל), Exodus 10:22 * ;] (poët. in cl.),

a hurricane, cyclone, whirlwind: Hebrews 12:18.†

SYN.: λαίλαψ (which see) (AS)

From G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), via STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0).

In depth

From the study of Hebrews 12:18

Range of meaning

A sudden violent storm-wind, squall or whirlwind.

Against the English

"Tempest" (KJV, YLT) and "storm" (BSB, WEB) are both accurate. NLT's "whirlwind" is also within range.

Used elsewhere in the period

Deut 4:11 and 5:22 in the Greek Old Testament, where it is part of the description of the Horeb/Sinai theophany. In the NT it occurs only here.

Where it appears

Hebrews · 1

  1. Hebrews 12:18 θυέλλῃ to storm

    For you have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom, and storm;

    Here: A violent squall or whirlwind. It is taken straight from the Greek of Deut 4:11 and 5:22, and appears only here in the NT.

Word data: STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0), main text only.