γαλήνη (galēnē)
galēnē
calm
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun galēnē refers to a state of calm or stillness, specifically describing the quieting of the sea. In the Gospels, it appears in the accounts of Jesus calming the storm, where the chaotic waves are replaced by a sudden, profound silence (Matthew 8:26; Mark 4:39). The word captures the immediate transition from turbulence to peace.
Its etymology is uncertain, but its usage highlights the authority of Jesus over nature. The sources note that this term describes the physical condition of the water after the disciples’ fear subsides. It serves as a vivid image of divine intervention, marking the moment when natural forces submit to His command.
Translators typically render it as "calm" or "great calm," emphasizing the completeness of the stillness. The word does not imply a gradual easing but a definitive end to the storm. This lexical choice underscores the power inherent in Jesus’ voice, which brings order to chaos instantly.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word galēnē describes more than just quiet weather; it marks a sudden shift from chaos to order. When Jesus spoke to the storm, He did not ask the waves to settle gradually. He commanded them, and they obeyed instantly. This shows that His authority extends over every part of creation, including the forces that seem most wild and uncontrollable.
For your own life, this offers a steady hope. You may face seasons where fear rises like high winds, making it hard to see clearly. Yet the same power that silenced the Sea of Galilee is present in your struggles. The transition from panic to peace is not always slow. Sometimes, grace arrives as a sudden stillness that calms the heart completely.
When anxiety feels overwhelming, remember that Jesus speaks with finality. He does not merely suggest calm; He establishes it. This promise invites you to rest in His presence, knowing that no storm is beyond His reach and no fear is too great for His word to overcome.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a calm2×
- a calm.1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- γαλήνη2×
- γαλήνη.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 8:26
He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the wind and the sea, and there was a great calm.
This verse highlights the contrast between the disciples' little faith and Jesus' immediate power, showing that calm comes from His command, not human effort.
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Mark 4:39
He awoke and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was a great calm.
The use of 'great calm' here emphasizes the completeness of the stillness, indicating a definitive end to the storm rather than a temporary lull.
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Luke 8:24
They came to him and awoke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are dying!” He awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water; then they ceased, and it was calm.
Luke notes that the raging water ceased specifically after Jesus rebuked it, underscoring His authority over nature as the source of the resulting peace.