3509. nephos

Lexicon

nephos: Cloud

Original Word: νέφος
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: nephos
Pronunciation: NEH-fos
Phonetic Spelling: (nef'-os)
Definition: Cloud
Meaning: a cloud; met: a dense crowd, a multitude, great company.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

cloud.

Apparently a primary word; a cloud -- cloud.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
a prim. word
Definition
a mass of clouds, a cloud
NASB Translation
cloud (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 3509: νέφος

νέφος, νέφους (allied with Latinnubes, nebula, etc.), τό, the Sept. for עָב and עָנָן, a cloud; in the N. T. once tropically, a large, dense multitude, a throng: μαρτύρων, Hebrews 12:1; often so in secular authors, as νεφῶν Τροωον, πεζῶν, ψαρων, κολοιων, Homer, Iliad 4, 274; 16, 66; 17, 755; 23, 133; ἀνθρώπων, Herodotus 8, 109; στρουθῶν, Aristophanes av. 578; ἀκρίδων, Diodorus 3, 29; peditum equitumque nubes, Livy 35, 49. [SYNONYMS: νέφος, νεφέλη: νέφος is general, νεφέλη specific; the former denotes the great, shapeless collection of vapor obscuring the heavens; the latter designates particular and definite masses of the same, suggesting form and limit. Cf. Schmidt vol. i., chapter 36.]

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the primary Greek word for "cloud."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent often associated with the concept of a cloud is עָנָן (anan • Strong's Hebrew 6051), which is used in various Old Testament passages to describe physical clouds and, metaphorically, divine presence or a multitude.

Usage: The term "νέφος" is used in the New Testament to describe a great multitude, often in a metaphorical sense. It appears in contexts where the imagery of a cloud is used to convey the idea of a vast number or assembly.

Context: The Greek word "νέφος" (nephos) is notably used in the New Testament in Hebrews 12:1, where it is part of the phrase "a great cloud of witnesses." This metaphorical usage draws on the imagery of a cloud to represent a large, encompassing group. In this context, the "cloud of witnesses" refers to the faithful individuals mentioned in the preceding chapter, Hebrews 11, who exemplified faith and perseverance. The imagery suggests that these witnesses surround and encourage believers in their spiritual journey, much like a cloud envelops and covers the sky.

The use of "νέφος" in this passage emphasizes the collective testimony and support of those who have gone before, serving as an inspiration for believers to remain steadfast in their faith. The metaphor of a cloud is apt, as it conveys both the idea of a multitude and the encompassing presence of these witnesses.

In the broader biblical narrative, clouds often symbolize divine presence and guidance, as seen in the Old Testament with the pillar of cloud that led the Israelites through the wilderness (Exodus 13:21). While "νέφος" in Hebrews 12:1 does not directly reference divine presence, the metaphorical use of a cloud aligns with the biblical theme of guidance and support from those who have demonstrated faithfulness.

Forms and Transliterations

νεφέλης νέφη νεφος νέφος νέφους νεφών nephos néphos

Englishman's Concordance

Hebrews 12:1 N-ANS
GRK: περικείμενον ἡμῖν νέφος μαρτύρων ὄγκον
NAS: so great a cloud of witnesses
KJV: with so great a cloud of witnesses,
INT: encompassing us a cloud of witnesses weight

Strong's Greek 3509
1 Occurrence

νέφος — 1 Occ.