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χάλαζα (chalaza)

chalaza

hail

G5464 · Greek · New Testament · 3 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
3 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The noun chalaza refers simply to hail, a natural phenomenon where frozen rain falls from the sky. In the New Testament, this word appears only three times, and every instance is found in the Book of Revelation. It describes a physical element rather than a metaphorical concept, grounding the text in tangible reality.

Its usage is striking because it consistently accompanies divine judgment. The sources note its occurrence in Revelation 8:7, where hail mixed with fire strikes the earth, and again in Revelation 16:21 during the final bowl judgments. In these contexts, the hail is not random weather but a specific instrument of God's wrath against humanity.

Translators typically render chalaza as "hail," preserving the literal meaning without adding symbolic layers. This direct translation reflects the word’s straightforward nature in Greek. The power of the term lies in its association with the overwhelming and destructive force of divine intervention, as seen in the apocalyptic visions of John.

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

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word chalaza refers to hail, a heavy and sudden storm that brings cold destruction in its wake. In the New Testament, this term appears only three times, all within the Book of Revelation. It is not used as a gentle metaphor for life’s small troubles but as a vivid image of divine judgment. When John describes hail mixed with fire or falling like massive stones, he is showing us the seriousness of sin and the reality of God’s justice.

For your faith, this word reminds us that God takes evil seriously. It calls us to take our own lives seriously too, recognizing that we live under a holy authority. The severity of the hail in Revelation highlights the urgency of turning back to God while there is still time for grace. It is a sobering picture, but it also points to the ultimate victory of Christ over all chaos and evil.

When you read these passages, let them deepen your reverence for God’s holiness. They are not meant to frighten you into despair, but to draw you closer to the Savior who offers mercy. In a world that often ignores moral boundaries, this word stands as a clear marker of truth. May it lead you to trust in God’s perfect justice and find peace in His protection.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • hail2×
  • hail,1×
  • a hail1×

Forms in the text

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

  • χάλαζα3×
  • χαλάζης,1×

Key Verses

  • Revelation of John 8:7
    The first sounded, and there followed hail and fire, mixed with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. One third of the earth was burned up, and one third of the trees were burned up, and all green grass was burned up.

    This verse marks the first trumpet judgment, where hail mixed with fire initiates a series of warnings to humanity.

  • Revelation of John 16:21
    Great hailstones, about the weight of a talent, came down out of the sky on people. People blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, for this plague was exceedingly severe.

    Here, the severity of the hail is emphasized by its weight, showing that even extreme suffering does not lead all people to repentance.

  • Revelation of John 11:19
    God’s temple that is in heaven was opened, and the ark of the Lord’s covenant was seen in his temple. Lightnings, sounds, thunders, an earthquake, and great hail followed.

    This occurrence links the great hail to the opening of God’s temple and the appearance of His covenant ark, connecting judgment with divine faithfulness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Greek word chalaza mean?

Chalaza is a Greek noun that simply means hail. It refers to the natural weather phenomenon where frozen rain falls from the sky. In the New Testament, it is used literally to describe this physical element rather than as an abstract symbol.

Where does chalaza appear in the Bible?

This word appears only three times in the entire New Testament, all within the Book of Revelation. It is found in chapters 8, 11, and 16, always in the context of the final judgments described by the apostle John.

Why is hail significant in Revelation?

In Revelation, hail is an instrument of divine judgment. It is not random weather but a specific act of God’s wrath against sin. The severity of the hail, such as stones weighing about a talent, shows the intensity of these final events.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)

Revelation of John 3 verses
Revelation of John 8:7

The first sounded, and there followed hail and fire, mixed with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. One third of…

Revelation of John 11:19

God’s temple that is in heaven was opened, and the ark of the Lord’s covenant was seen in his temple. Lightnings,…

Revelation of John 16:21

Great hailstones, about the weight of a talent, came down out of the sky on people. People blasphemed God because of…