Lexical Summary thermé: Heat, warmth Original Word: θερμή Strong's Exhaustive Concordance heat. From the base of theros; warmth -- heat. see GREEK theros NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprobably from the same as theros Definition heat NASB Translation heat (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2329: θέρμηθέρμη (and Θερμα; cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 331 (Rutherford, New Phryn., p. 414)), θέρμης, ἡ, heat: Acts 28:3. (Ecclesiastes 4:11; Job 6:17; Psalm 18:7 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). Biblical Theology of Heat 1. Heat as Comfort 2. Heat as Refiner’s Fire 3. Heat as Judgment 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. 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 thérmēsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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