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πλήμμυρα (plēmmura)

plēmmura

flood

G4132 · Greek · New Testament · 1 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The noun plēmmura describes a powerful flood, whether from the sea or a river. It appears only once in the New Testament, in Luke’s account of the wise builder whose house stands firm against the torrent (Luke 6:48). The word conveys the overwhelming force of rushing water that threatens to destroy what is built on unstable ground.

Its root relates to abundance or fullness, suggesting a volume of water so great it overwhelms its banks. This single usage anchors the parable’s warning: without a deep foundation, even strong structures cannot withstand the sudden surge of plēmmura.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word plēmmura describes a sudden, overwhelming flood that rushes with such force it threatens to destroy everything in its path. In Luke’s Gospel, this single usage paints a vivid picture of life’s unpredictable storms. It reminds us that stability does not come from the height of our achievements or the strength of our defenses, but from where we have placed our foundation.

When the waters rise, they do not care about appearances; they only test what is real. Building on the rock means anchoring your trust in Christ’s teachings, even when the ground feels unstable. This assurance brings peace, knowing that no matter how fierce the surge, a life rooted in truth remains secure.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • when a flood1×

Forms in the text

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

  • πλημμύρης1×

Key Verses

  • Luke 6:48
    He is like a man building a house, who dug and went deep and laid a foundation on the rock. When a flood arose, the stream broke against that house, and could not shake it, because it was founded on the rock.

    This verse uses plēmmura to illustrate the specific moment when external pressure tests the integrity of a foundation built on Christ.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does plēmmura mean in the Bible?

Plēmmura is a Greek noun that translates to 'flood' or 'torrent.' It appears only once in the New Testament, describing a powerful surge of water that tests the stability of a house's foundation.

Why is this word significant in Luke 6?

In Luke 6:48, plēmmura represents the sudden and overwhelming trials of life. Its presence highlights the contrast between those who build on unstable ground and those who dig deep to lay a foundation on the rock.

How is plēmmura different from other words for water?

Unlike general terms for sea or river, plēmmura specifically conveys the force of rushing, overflowing water. It emphasizes the destructive power of a sudden surge rather than a calm body of water.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)

Luke 1 verse
Luke 6:48

He is like a man building a house, who dug and went deep and laid a foundation on the rock. When a flood arose, the…