Lexical Summary notos: South wind Original Word: νότος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance south wind. Of uncertain affinity; the south(-west) wind; by extension, the southern quarter itself -- south (wind). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition the south wind, hence the southern quarter NASB Translation south (4), south wind (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3558: νότοςνότος, νότου, ὁ, the south wind; a. properly: Luke 12:55; Acts 27:13; Acts 28:13. b. the South (cf. βορρᾶς): Matthew 12:42; Luke 11:31; Luke 13:29; Revelation 21:13. (From Homer down; the Sept. chiefly for נֶגֶב, the southern quarter, the South; and for דָּרוּם, the southern (both) wind and quarter; תֵּימָן, the same; קָדִים, the eastern (both) quarter and wind.) Νότος appears seven times in the Greek New Testament and always denotes either the “south” as a cardinal direction or the warm “south wind” that blows across the Mediterranean basin. Its usage ranges from Christ’s teaching illustrations to the narrative of apostolic travel and the eschatological vision of the New Jerusalem. Geographical and Meteorological Background In the eastern Mediterranean climate, a south wind typically brings heat and dryness from the African landmass. Mariners prized a gentle south wind for its predictability, while farmers and townspeople associated it with rising temperatures. First-century audiences readily understood both the practical and the symbolic implications of Νότος. Occurrences in the New Testament 1. Luke 12:55 – discerning weather patterns Directional Teaching and Discernment Luke 12:55 records Jesus saying, “And when a south wind blows, you say, ‘It will be hot,’ and it happens.” By appealing to an everyday meteorological observation, He presses His listeners to apply the same practical discernment to the spiritual realities unfolding before them. The predictability of the south wind highlights humanity’s accountability for recognizing the clear signs of God’s kingdom. Royal Testimony from the South In Matthew 12:42 and Luke 11:31 the “Queen of the South” (the Queen of Sheba) represents Gentile eagerness for divine wisdom: “The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it” (Matthew 12:42). Her geographical origin underscores the global reach of God’s revelation and exposes the unbelief of those closer in proximity yet harder of heart. Global Ingathering Luke 13:29 envisions the redeemed “from east and west and north and south” reclining at God’s table. The mention of Νότος as one of the four points affirms the universal scope of the gospel call. Geographic diversity becomes a theological statement: no direction is beyond the compass of divine grace. Historical and Maritime Narratives Acts 27:13 shows sailors embracing a “gentle south wind” as the providential moment to depart Crete: “they thought they had obtained their opportunity.” The same wind later gives way to a violent northeaster, illustrating human limitation and God’s overruling sovereignty. After surviving the shipwreck, Paul’s company again benefits from the south wind (Acts 28:13) on the last leg toward Rome. Νότος thus frames both peril and progress in the apostolic mission, reminding readers that gospel advance often travels the same currents that threaten human plans. Eschatological Consummation Revelation 21:13 fixes three gates on the south side of the New Jerusalem. The balanced arrangement of twelve gates—three on every compass point—visibly encodes the comprehensive welcome of God’s eternal city. The south, formerly the edge of Israel’s land and a source of desert winds, becomes an equal portal into everlasting fellowship. Old Testament Parallels Hebrew Scripture repeatedly references the south wind (for example, Exodus 10:13; Job 37:17; Song of Solomon 4:16). These passages, translated with Νότος in the Septuagint, provide background for New Testament readers: the same wind that brought locusts as judgment or fragrance as blessing serves God’s varied purposes in redemptive history. Theological Insights • Νότος illustrates God’s control over creation. Whether raising temperatures, steering ships, or symbolizing judgment, the south wind answers to His command. Pastoral and Missional Applications 1. Spiritual Discernment: Just as people predict heat from a south wind, believers should cultivate sensitivity to God’s present workings. Englishman's Concordance Matthew 12:42 N-GMSGRK: βασίλισσα νότου ἐγερθήσεται ἐν NAS: [The] Queen of [the] South will rise KJV: The queen of the south shall rise up INT: The queen of [the] south will rise up in Luke 11:31 N-GMS Luke 12:55 N-AMS Luke 13:29 N-GMS Acts 27:13 N-GMS Acts 28:13 N-GMS Revelation 21:13 N-GMS Strong's Greek 3558 |
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