λίψ (lips)
lips
southwest
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun lips refers to the southwest wind, a specific weather pattern that shaped life in the ancient Mediterranean world. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Acts 27:12, where Paul and others are stranded on the island of Crete. The text describes sailors looking for a favorable harbor, hoping to catch this particular breeze to help their ship navigate safely.
Its etymology likely connects to the idea of pouring or libations, perhaps reflecting how such winds might bring rain or affect maritime activities. While the Hebrew Bible often uses related terms for the south or southwest direction, the Greek lips specifically denotes the wind itself and the quarter from which it blows. This single occurrence highlights the practical dangers sailors faced, relying on unpredictable winds like the lips to guide their journey across treacherous seas.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word λῖψ (lips) refers to a specific wind from the southwest, one that ancient sailors hoped would guide them safely but often brought unpredictable challenges. In Acts 27:12, this breeze is mentioned as the crew considers whether to stay in a harbor or seek a better port for the winter. It reminds us that even when we plan carefully, circumstances can shift quickly, and what seems like a favorable opportunity may carry hidden risks.
For your faith life, this word invites trust in God’s guidance when plans change. Just as sailors relied on more than just the wind to navigate treacherous seas, you are never alone in your journeys. When directions seem unclear or conditions turn difficult, remember that God’s presence remains steady, offering peace and direction beyond what we can control.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] southwest1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- λίβα1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 27:12
Because the haven was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised going to sea from there, if by any means they could reach Phoenix and winter there, which is a port of Crete, looking southwest and northwest.
The term λῖψ appears here as the southwest wind the sailors hope will help them reach Phoenix, highlighting how human plans intersect with uncertain natural forces.