Greek word · G2824

κλίμα

klima

region

Originally an 'inclination' or 'slope' (from κλίνω, 'to lean'). In geography it meant the slope of the earth toward the pole, so a latitude band or zone, and from there simply a region or district.

Appears 3 times in 3 verses of the Greek New Testament. ·

What it means

κλίμα, -τος, τό

(κλίνω) [in LXX: Judges 20:2 A (פִּנָּה)* ;]

1. an inclination, slope, esp. the slope from the equator to the pole (Arist).

2. a region (Polyb., al.): pl., Romans 15:23, 2 Corinthians 11:10, Galatians 1:21.†

(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 2 Corinthians 11:10

Range of meaning

Originally an 'inclination' or 'slope' (from κλίνω, 'to lean'). In geography it meant the slope of the earth toward the pole, so a latitude band or zone, and from there simply a region or district.

Against the English

English 'climate' comes from this word, but in the New Testament it never refers to weather. All major English versions rightly say 'regions'.

How it drifted

The geographic 'latitude zone' sense led in later Latin and English to 'climate' as typical weather of a zone. That is a later development and not in view here.

Used elsewhere in the period

In the New Testament only in Paul: Rom 15:23 ('no longer any room for me in these regions'), Gal 1:21 ('the regions of Syria and Cilicia'), and here. Common in Hellenistic geographical writing.

Where it appears

Romans · 1

  1. Romans 15:23 κλίμασιν regions

    But now that there are no further opportunities for me in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to visit you,

2 Corinthians · 1

  1. 2 Corinthians 11:10 κλίμασιν regions

    As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia.

    Here: The districts or areas of the province. The plural widens the pledge beyond the city of Corinth to every part of Achaia.

Galatians · 1

  1. Galatians 1:21 κλίματα regions

    Later I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia.

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