2978. lailaps

Lexicon

lailaps: Storm, tempest, whirlwind

Original Word: λαῖλαψ
Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine
Transliteration: lailaps
Pronunciation: LIE-laps
Phonetic Spelling: (lah'-ee-laps)
Definition: Storm, tempest, whirlwind
Meaning: a sudden storm, squall, whirlwind, hurricane.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

storm, tempest.

Of uncertain derivation; a whirlwind (squall) -- storm, tempest.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
probably from intens. prefix lai- and a prim. root lap-
Definition
a hurricane
NASB Translation
fierce gale (1), gale (1), storm (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 2978: λαῖλαψ

λαῖλαψ ((L T Tr WH) not λαῖλαψ (Griesbach), cf. Winers Grammar, § 6, 1 e.; Lipsius, Grammat. Untersuch., p. 37f; (Chandler § 620; Tdf. Proleg., p. 101)), λαίλαπος, ἡ (masculine in א* Mark 4:37; cf. Thomas Magister, Ritschl edition, p. 226, 4), a whirlwind, tempestuous wind: 2 Peter 2:17; λαῖλαψ ἀνέμου (cf. German Sturmwind; ἄνεμος σύν λαίλαπι πολλή, Homer, Iliad 17, 57), a violent attack of wind (A. V. a storm of wind), a squall ((see below)), Mark 4:37; Luke 8:23. (The Sept., Job 21:18; Job 38:1; Wis. 5:15, 24; Sir. 48:9.) (According to Schmidt (chapter 55 § 13), λαῖλαψ is never a single gust, nor a steadily blowing wind, however violent; but a storm breaking forth from black thunder-clouds in furious gusts, with floods of rain, and throwing everything topsy-turvy; according to Aristotle, de mund. 4, p. 395{a}, 7 it is 'a whirlwind revolving from below upward.')

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Of uncertain derivation.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for λαῖλαψ, similar concepts of storms and tempests can be found in Hebrew words such as סוּפָה (suphah, Strong's Hebrew 5492) and סַעַר (sa'ar, Strong's Hebrew 5591), which also describe violent winds or storms in the Old Testament. These terms are often used metaphorically to describe God's power and judgment.

Usage: The term λαῖλαψ is used in the New Testament to describe a sudden and intense storm, particularly one that arises at sea, causing great fear and danger.

Context: The Greek word λαῖλαψ appears in the New Testament in the context of describing a fierce and sudden storm. This term is notably used in the Gospels to depict the perilous conditions faced by Jesus and His disciples while at sea. In Mark 4:37, the Berean Standard Bible (BSB) recounts, "Soon a violent windstorm came up, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was being swamped." Similarly, in Luke 8:23, the BSB states, "As they sailed, He fell asleep, and a squall came down on the lake, so that the boat was being swamped, and they were in great danger."

The use of λαῖλαψ in these passages highlights the sudden and overwhelming nature of the storm, emphasizing the disciples' fear and the miraculous authority of Jesus over the natural elements. The calming of the storm by Jesus serves as a powerful demonstration of His divine power and authority, reinforcing His identity as the Son of God who commands even the winds and the waves.

In a broader theological context, the storm can be seen as a metaphor for the trials and tribulations faced by believers, with Jesus' intervention symbolizing divine deliverance and peace amidst chaos. The narrative encourages faith and trust in God's sovereignty, even in the most tumultuous circumstances.

Forms and Transliterations

λαιλαπος λαίλαπος λαιλαψ λαίλαψ λαῖλαψ λάκκοις λάκκον λάκκος λάκκου λάκκους λάκκω λάκκων lailapos laílapos lailaps laîlaps

Englishman's Concordance

Mark 4:37 N-NFS
GRK: καὶ γίνεται λαῖλαψ μεγάλη ἀνέμου
NAS: a fierce gale of wind,
KJV: there arose a great storm of wind, and
INT: And comes a storm violent of wind

Luke 8:23 N-NFS
GRK: καὶ κατέβη λαῖλαψ ἀνέμου εἰς
NAS: along He fell asleep; and a fierce gale of wind
KJV: and there came down a storm of wind on
INT: and came down a storm of wind on

2 Peter 2:17 N-GFS
GRK: ὁμίχλαι ὑπὸ λαίλαπος ἐλαυνόμεναι οἷς
NAS: driven by a storm, for whom
KJV: with a tempest; to whom
INT: clouds by storm being driven to whom

Strong's Greek 2978
3 Occurrences

λαίλαπος — 1 Occ.
λαῖλαψ — 2 Occ.