2329. thermé
Lexical Summary
thermé: Heat, warmth

Original Word: θερμή
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: thermé
Pronunciation: ther-MAY
Phonetic Spelling: (ther'-may)
KJV: heat
NASB: heat
Word Origin: [from the base of G2330 (θέρος - summer)]

1. warmth

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
heat.

From the base of theros; warmth -- heat.

see GREEK theros

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
probably from the same as theros
Definition
heat
NASB Translation
heat (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 2329: θέρμη

θέρμη (and Θερμα; cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 331 (Rutherford, New Phryn., p. 414)), θέρμης, , heat: Acts 28:3. (Ecclesiastes 4:11; Job 6:17; Psalm 18:7 (); Thucydides, Plato, Menander, others.)

Topical Lexicon
Entry Title: Heat (Strong’s Greek 2329, θέρμη)

Canonical Occurrence

The noun appears once in the New Testament, Acts 28:3, describing the “heat” of the fire kindled on Malta after Paul’s shipwreck.

Literal Function: Necessary Warmth

Heat is a tangible gift from God, sustaining life in cold climates and seasons. In Acts 28, the warmth of a seaside fire becomes the means by which shipwrecked souls find immediate relief. Scripture often presents simple provisions—water, bread, light, and heat—as tokens of divine care (Psalm 104:14-15; Isaiah 45:7).

Acts 28:3 in Context

“Paul gathered a bundle of sticks, and as he laid them on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand.” (Berean Standard Bible)

1. Divine Protection: The sudden attack highlights the Lord’s preserving power when Paul remains unharmed (Acts 28:5).
2. Mission Continues: Even on an unfamiliar island, warmth around a fire becomes the stage for testimony and healing, leading ultimately to evangelism among the Maltese (Acts 28:9-10).
3. Practical Service: Paul gathers sticks himself, modeling servant-leadership. Heat here flows from humble work, linking daily chores with Kingdom purpose.

Biblical Theology of Heat

1. Heat as Comfort
Genesis 8:22 affirms the Creator’s covenantal preservation of “cold and heat.”
Ecclesiastes 11:7 celebrates the sweetness of light and warmth.

2. Heat as Refiner’s Fire
Malachi 3:2-3 pictures God as a refiner, purifying His people in intense heat.
1 Peter 4:12 cautions believers: “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial that has come upon you…” Heat becomes a metaphor for sanctifying trials.

3. Heat as Judgment
Malachi 4:1 warns, “Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace…,” employing thermal imagery for eschatological judgment.
Revelation 16:8-9 foretells scorching heat poured out upon hardened rebels.

4. Heat as Hospitality

Fireside warmth in Acts 28 mirrors ancient Near-Eastern customs where hearths welcomed strangers (Genesis 18:4-8). Christian hospitality continues this pattern, offering practical comfort that opens hearts to the gospel (Hebrews 13:2).

Historical and Cultural Notes

Greek and Roman maritime travel necessitated makeshift shoreline fires for shipwreck survivors. The event on Malta aligns with archaeological evidence of temporary hearths used for drying clothes and cooking. Luke’s precise nautical narrative underscores historical reliability.

Ministry Implications

• Provide Practical Aid: Meeting physical needs—warm clothing, shelter, heat—can create platforms for spiritual ministry.
• Persevere through Trials: Like heat drawing out the viper, trials may expose hidden dangers, yet God turns these moments into testimonies of deliverance.
• Model Servanthood: Leaders who stoop to gather sticks embody Christlike humility (Mark 10:45).

Related Biblical Terms

Hebrew חֹם (chom, heat) and Greek πῦρ (pur, fire) broaden the concept, showing God’s sovereign use of thermal imagery from Genesis through Revelation.

Christological and Eschatological Glimpses

Jesus speaks of Gehenna’s unquenchable fire (Mark 9:48), while promising the righteous “the sun will no longer scorch them with heat” (Revelation 7:16). In Him, believers find refuge from both physical cold and eternal condemnation.

Summary

Strong’s Greek 2329 spotlights literal warmth that God provides and uses for His redemptive purposes. Whether for comfort, refinement, or warning, heat testifies to the Creator’s power, the Savior’s protection, and the Spirit’s ongoing work in and through His people.

Forms and Transliterations
θερμή θέρμη θερμης θέρμης θερμόν θερμούς θερμόυς thermes thermēs thérmes thérmēs
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Acts 28:3 N-GFS
GRK: ἀπὸ τῆς θέρμης ἐξελθοῦσα καθῆψεν
NAS: out because of the heat and fastened
KJV: out of the heat, and fastened on
INT: out of the heat having come wound about

Strong's Greek 2329
1 Occurrence


θέρμης — 1 Occ.

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