θύελλα (thuella)
thuella
storm
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun thuella refers to a sudden, violent storm or tempest. Derived from a root meaning "to blow," it describes weather that is not merely rainy but intensely turbulent, often translated as a hurricane or whirlwind in classical contexts.
In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in Hebrews 12:18. The author uses it to contrast the terrifying physical manifestation of God’s presence at Mount Sinai with the accessible grace of the new covenant. By choosing this specific term for a fierce gale, the text emphasizes the overwhelming and dangerous nature of the old covenant experience.
While English translations often settle on "storm," the Greek carries a sense of chaotic force that underscores the distance between the fearful mountain and the joyful gathering in Zion. This single usage highlights the dramatic shift from law to grace without requiring further lexical comparison.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word thuella describes a violent, sudden storm. It appears only once in the New Testament. The author of Hebrews uses it to describe Mount Sinai. This was a place of fire, darkness, and terror. It represented the old covenant under the law.
But you have not come to that mountain. You have come to Zion, the city of the living God. The contrast is clear. One path brings fear; the other brings grace. This storm reminds us that we are no longer bound by dread. We approach God with confidence and love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to storm1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- θυέλλῃ1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 12:18
For you have not come to a mountain that might be touched and that burned with fire, and to blackness, darkness, storm,
The word thuella here contrasts the terrifying, law-based presence at Sinai with the accessible grace of the new covenant.