Lexical Summary salos: Surge, wave, commotion Original Word: σάλος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance wave. Probably from the base of saino; a vibration, i.e. (specially), billow -- wave. see GREEK saino NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition a tossing, spec. the swell (of the sea) NASB Translation waves (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4535: σάλοςσάλος, σάλου, ὁ, the tossing or swell of the sea (R. V. billows): Luke 21:25. (Sophocles, Euripides, others.) Topical Lexicon Semantic Field and ImageryThe word σάλος (salos) evokes the heaving, rolling motion that characterizes a storm-tossed sea or an earthquake. In classical and Hellenistic sources it pictures rolling groundswells, violent shaking, or the surge of waves that threatens stability. Scripture employs this vivid natural scene to communicate periods of upheaval in the created order and, by extension, in human affairs. Old Testament Background The Hebrew Scriptures often compare international turmoil to the restless sea. Psalm 46:2-3 depicts the “waters roar and foam,” while Isaiah 17:12 notes, “Oh, the raging of many nations—they rage like the raging sea!” These passages prepare the reader for the New Testament’s use of seafaring disturbance as a metaphor for eschatological anxiety and divine intervention. The Sole New Testament Occurrence (Luke 21:25) Luke records Jesus’ prophecy concerning the signs preceding His return: “on the earth dismay among the nations, bewildered by the roaring of the sea and the surging of the waves” (Luke 21:25). Here σάλος supplies the image of a creation convulsing under divine judgment. The phrase forms a parallelism with “roaring” (ἦχος), so that the ear hears the thunderous crash while the eye beholds the swelling surge. Together they illustrate a world in which normal boundaries seem to collapse, leaving humanity “bewildered.” Apocalyptic Significance 1. Cosmic Disturbance The context links σάλος with portents in the sun, moon, and stars. Natural order—normally stable and life-sustaining—is portrayed as shaking to its foundations (compare Joel 2:30-31; Revelation 6:12-17). 2. Moral and Political Upheaval Nations experience “dismay” (Luke 21:25), echoing Psalm 2:1: “Why do the nations rage?” The surging sea thus symbolizes world powers in turmoil, unable to maintain equilibrium when confronted with the approach of the Son of Man. 3. Call to Watchfulness Luke 21 proceeds to urge believers to “stand and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28). The very chaos that terrifies the unbelieving world signals deliverance for the faithful. Historical and Cultural Resonances First-century Mediterranean peoples feared the sea’s unpredictability. Mariners spoke of “dead water” that could swallow ships without warning, and earthquakes were believed to be omens from the gods. Jesus’ prophecy co-opts these cultural fears, asserting sovereign control over forces pagan religions deemed capricious. The Lord, who earlier rebuked the wind and waves in Galilee (Luke 8:24), now declares final mastery over every cosmic perturbation. Theological Reflections • Creation Groans: σάλος exemplifies Romans 8:22, where creation “has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth.” The surge is not random; it is purposeful, heralding new creation. Pastoral and Homiletical Applications 1. Encouragement Amid Turbulence Preachers may draw connections between societal instability and σάλος, reminding congregations that upheaval often precedes divine deliverance. 2. Evangelistic Appeal Just as the nations will be “bewildered,” present anxiety opens doors for the gospel of peace—Christ still speaks, “Peace, be still” (Mark 4:39). 3. Call to Steadfastness Luke 21 concludes with admonitions to “be always on the watch” (Luke 21:36). Spiritual vigilance equips believers to stand firm when the figurative and literal seas rage. Literary Echoes in Early Christian Writings Early church fathers referenced Luke 21:25 to explain persecutions and natural disasters. Tertullian cited the verse to argue that earthquakes served as signs compelling repentance. Clement of Alexandria interpreted sea imagery as the instability of sinful life apart from Christ, the true harbor. Summary σάλος (Strong’s 4535) portrays the surging upheaval of sea or earth, a single yet potent image that Luke employs to describe end-time convulsion under divine sovereignty. From Old Testament roots through Jesus’ prophecy and into church history, the term calls believers to discern God at work in turmoil, cling to Christ for stability, and proclaim the hope of a kingdom unshakeable. Forms and Transliterations σάλον σαλου σάλου σάλω salou sálouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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