Εὐροκλύδων
Euroklýdōn
G2148
SILEX Entry
Definition
A violent, tempestuous wind, specifically a storm wind characterized by sudden gusts and rough waves; in the New Testament context, refers to a particular windstorm encountered at sea, thought to originate from the east or northeast. The term designates a meteorological phenomenon—a severe easterly or northeasterly gale—well known in the eastern Mediterranean, often treacherous for sailors.
Semantic Range
a violent east or northeasterly wind, a storm or gale with surging waves; specifically, a sudden and destructive Mediterranean windstorm; (unique, NT) the windstorm described in Acts 27:14
Root / Etymology
Greek compound formed from Εὖρος (Eurus), meaning 'east (wind)' and κλύδων (kludōn), meaning 'a surging wave' or 'billow.' Thus, Εὐροκλύδων literally denotes 'east-wind billow' or 'east wind wave.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
Εὐροκλύδων appears only in Acts 27:14 in the New Testament, describing the fierce windstorm that struck Paul’s ship on his voyage to Rome. The precise meteorological identity is debated; some ancient and modern commentators equate it with the modern 'Levanter' or a strong northeasterly wind (the Gregale), both notorious in the Mediterranean. In ancient maritime contexts, such named winds signified specific weather dangers to navigators. The term is not attested in classical Greek literature before the NT but is a plausible Greek compound. The Vulgate and subsequent English translations (e.g., 'Euroclydon') tend to transliterate it, reflecting lack of direct lexical parallel. There is no evidence that the word carried metaphorical meanings. The word's specificity ties it to the technical vocabulary of seafaring peoples in the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from (the east wind) and κλύδων; a storm from the East (or southeast), i.e. (in modern phrase) a Levanter:--Euroklydon.
Word Forms
0 distinct forms
No word forms found for this Strong's number.
Occurrences in Scripture
0 occurrences
No occurrences found.