παραχειμασία (paracheimasia)
paracheimasia
wintering
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun paracheimasia refers simply to the act of passing the winter or spending a season in a specific location. It is a straightforward term describing the practical reality of staying put when the weather turns cold and travel becomes difficult.
This word appears only once in the New Testament, in Acts 27:12. The Apostle Paul uses it to describe the decision made by the ship’s pilot and the owner, who preferred to winter at Phoenix rather than risk sailing further. It captures a moment of logistical pause, where the group settled in for the long months ahead.
Its meaning is rooted in the verb paracheimazō, which combines "with" or "beside" with "to winter." The term carries no deep theological weight; instead, it grounds the narrative in the physical constraints of ancient maritime life. It reminds readers that even divine plans unfold within the ordinary rhythms of seasons and safety.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word paracheimasia describes the simple act of staying in one place through the winter months. In Acts 27:12, Paul uses it to explain why the ship’s crew decided to stay at a certain port instead of risking the dangerous seas during cold weather. It is not a spiritual term but a practical one, showing how ancient travelers had to plan around the seasons.
This reminds us that God’s plans often work through ordinary, everyday decisions. Even when we face delays or changes in our journey, these pauses are part of how things unfold. We do not need to see every stop as a failure or a sign of trouble. Sometimes, staying put is the wise choice for safety and well-being.
When life feels stuck or slow, remember that waiting can be a form of care. God is present in the quiet seasons as much as in the busy ones. Trust that Your path is guided, even when it moves at the speed of the wind and the weather.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- winter in1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- παραχειμασίαν1×
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.
This verse shows the word used to describe a practical decision to avoid dangerous winter sailing conditions.