GospelMount
Search Topics Scripture Prayer Resources Ebooks About Support the mission Saved articles

νεφέλη (nephelē)

nephelē

cloud

G3507 · Greek · New Testament · 21 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
21 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The Greek word nephelē refers to a single, distinct cloud, contrasting with nephos which describes a vast, indefinite mass of vapor. In the New Testament, this term appears in significant moments of divine revelation and judgment. For example, it is the cloud that overshadowed Jesus and the disciples on the mountain (Matthew 17:5), and the same word describes the cloud from which Christ will return at the end of time (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

This specific usage connects directly to the Old Testament pillar of cloud that guided Israel through the wilderness, as noted in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 10:1-2). The sources highlight that later Jewish tradition even referred to the Messiah as the "Son of the Cloud," a title echoed in Revelation where Jesus sits on a white cloud (Revelation 14:14). Translators consistently render nephelē as "cloud," capturing its role as a tangible vehicle for God’s presence rather than just atmospheric weather.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word nephelē describes a distinct cloud, often serving as the visible boundary between the human world and divine presence. In Scripture, it is not merely weather but a vehicle for revelation. At the Transfiguration, a bright cloud overshadowed Jesus and the disciples, marking that moment as a direct encounter with God’s glory. This imagery connects back to the wilderness wanderings, where God guided Israel through a pillar of cloud, showing that He remains present and protective in our own journeys.

For your faith, this word offers comfort in both mystery and hope. It reminds us that God’s presence can be overwhelming yet safe, as seen when believers are caught up to meet the Lord in the clouds. Whether facing uncertainty or looking forward to Christ’s return, nephelē points to a God who is near, guiding and ultimately gathering His people. This tangible sign of heaven invites trust in His unseen plans.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 21 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • cloud7×
  • a cloud7×
  • clouds4×
  • [the] clouds2×
  • clouds,1×
  • cloud;1×
  • cloud.1×
  • cloud,1×
  • a cloud,1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • νεφέλη5×
  • νεφέλης4×
  • νεφέλην3×
  • νεφελῶν3×
  • νεφέλῃ2×
  • νεφέλαις2×
  • νεφέλῃ,1×
  • νεφέλης·1×
  • νεφέλην.1×
  • νεφέλην,1×
  • νεφέλαι1×
  • νεφελῶν,1×

Key Verses

  • Matthew 17:5
    While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. Behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.”

    The cloud overshadows the disciples to signify the divine approval and presence of Jesus as God's Son.

  • Acts 1:9
    When he had said these things, as they were looking, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight.

    A cloud receives Jesus out of sight, marking the end of His earthly ministry and the beginning of His exalted state.

  • I Thessalonians 4:17
    then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. So we will be with the Lord forever.

    Believers are caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord, highlighting the cloud as a place of gathering and hope.

  • Revelation of John 14:14
    I looked, and saw a white cloud, and on the cloud one sitting like a son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.

    The Son of Man sits on a white cloud, identifying Him with divine authority and judgment at the harvest of the earth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does nephelē mean in the New Testament?

Nephelē means a distinct cloud or cloud mass. It is often used to describe the visible manifestation of God’s presence, such as at the Transfiguration or during Christ’s ascension.

How is nephelē different from nephos?

While both words mean cloud, nephelē typically refers to a single, distinct cloud, whereas nephos often describes a vast, indefinite mass of vapor. This distinction helps clarify specific imagery in passages like the Transfiguration versus general references to clouds.

Why is the cloud significant in Matthew 17?

In Matthew 17:5, the cloud overshadows Jesus and the disciples, signaling a sacred space where God speaks directly. It marks the moment as a divine revelation, confirming Jesus’ identity as the beloved Son.

Does nephelē appear in the Old Testament context?

Yes, though the Greek word is used in the New Testament, it often references Old Testament events. For example, 1 Corinthians 10:1-2 mentions believers being under the cloud, recalling the pillar of cloud that guided Israel through the wilderness.

Every Occurrence (21 verses across 8 books)

Matthew 3 verses
Matthew 17:5

While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. Behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying,…

Matthew 24:30

and then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky. Then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will…

Matthew 26:64

Jesus said to him, “You have said so. Nevertheless, I tell you, after this you will see the Son of Man sitting at the…

Mark 3 verses
Luke 4 verses
Acts 1 verse
I Corinthians 2 verses
I Thessalonians 1 verse
Jude 1 verse
Revelation of John 6 verses