ἀτμίς (atmis)
atmis
vapor
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun atmis refers to a visible mist, steam, or vapor rising from heat or moisture. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, yet each instance carries significant weight by describing something that is present and real in the moment, yet fleeting and impossible to hold onto. It captures the physical reality of condensation—water made visible as gas—which serves as a powerful metaphor for human life.
In Acts 2:19, Peter quotes Joel’s prophecy about signs in the heavens, mentioning "vapor and smoke" (atmis kapnou). This usage connects the word to dramatic, supernatural events that signal a major shift in history. The imagery suggests something rising up from the earth toward the divine, marking a time of judgment and renewal.
The second occurrence is found in James 4:14, where the author warns against boasting about tomorrow. He compares life to atmis, which appears for a little while and then vanishes. Here, the word emphasizes the fragility and brevity of human existence. Just as steam dissipates into the air, so too does life fade quickly, reminding readers that their plans are subject to God’s will rather than their own control.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word atmis describes a visible mist or steam rising from heat and moisture. It captures a physical reality that is present yet fleeting, impossible to hold onto once it forms. In Scripture, this image serves as a powerful reminder of the temporary nature of our earthly existence.
When James compares life to vapor, he invites us to look at our plans with humility. Just as steam appears for a moment and then vanishes, our days are brief and subject to God’s will. This does not mean life is meaningless, but rather that it is precious because it is short. It encourages us to trust in the One who remains constant while everything else changes.
Understanding this word helps ground our faith in reality. We can work hard and plan wisely, yet keep our hearts loose from the outcomes. By remembering that we are like vapor, we find peace in surrendering our futures to God, knowing He holds every moment.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- vapor1×
- A vapor1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀτμίδα1×
- ἀτμὶς1×
Key Verses
-
James 4:14
Yet you don’t know what your life will be like tomorrow. For what is your life? For you are a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.
This verse uses atmis to illustrate the sudden disappearance of human life, urging readers to recognize their dependence on God's will rather than their own certainty.
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Acts 2:19
I will show wonders in the sky above, and signs on the earth beneath: blood, and fire, and billows of smoke.
Here the term appears in a prophetic context describing supernatural signs, linking the rising vapor to dramatic shifts in history and divine intervention.