κλύδων (kludōn)
kludōn
waves
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun kludōn describes a surging wave or a violent billow that crashes against the shore. Derived from a verb meaning to dash over or wash upon, it captures the raw power and agitation of the sea rather than a gentle ripple. This word appears only twice in the New Testament, specifically in Luke and James.
In Luke 8:24, it depicts the storm that threatens to swamp Jesus’ boat, illustrating the sudden danger faced by the disciples. James 1:6 uses the image of a sea driven by wind and tossed about to describe the instability of a double-minded person. The sources note it is synonymous with kuma, though kludōn often carries a heavier sense of turbulence.
Translators typically render this term as "wave" or "billow," relying on the context to convey whether the focus is on physical danger or spiritual instability. Its rare usage in Scripture highlights its effectiveness as a vivid metaphor for chaos and lack of steadiness.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word kludōn paints a picture of water in turmoil—surging waves that crash with force against the shore. It is not a gentle ripple, but a violent billow driven by the wind. In the New Testament, this term appears only twice, used to describe both physical storms and inner spiritual instability.
In Luke 8:24, it describes the raging waters threatening the disciples’ boat. Jesus calms the chaos with a word, showing that no storm is beyond His authority. In James 1:6, the same image illustrates a person who doubts. Just as a wave is tossed by the wind, a double-minded heart lacks steadiness when facing life’s challenges.
When you feel overwhelmed by circumstances or uncertain in your decisions, remember that peace comes from fixing your eyes on Christ. He quiets the external storms and offers inner stability to those who trust Him with faith alone.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to a wave1×
- raging1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- κλύδωνι2×
Key Verses
-
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.
This occurrence highlights the physical danger of the storm, showing Jesus' authority over nature to save His followers from drowning.
-
James 1:6
But let him ask in faith, without any doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed.
Here the word serves as a metaphor for spiritual instability, comparing a doubter's mind to a wave tossed by the wind without a fixed direction.