χείμαρρος (cheimarros)
cheimarros
brook
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun cheimarros refers to a seasonal stream or winter torrent that swells with rain but often runs dry in summer. Its etymology combines words for "winter" and "flowing," capturing the nature of these Mediterranean waterways which are defined by their unpredictable, violent bursts of water rather than a steady current. In the New Testament, this term appears only once, in John 18:1.
The context is significant: Jesus crosses this torrent with his disciples before entering Jerusalem. The image suggests a rugged, natural landscape that requires careful navigation. Translators typically render it as "brook" or "wadi," emphasizing a geographical feature that is more dangerous and transient than a permanent river. This single usage grounds the narrative in the physical reality of the region, highlighting the journey’s terrain.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word cheimarros describes a seasonal stream that swells violently in winter but often runs dry in summer. In John 18:1, Jesus crosses this brook Kidron with his disciples before entering Jerusalem. This detail grounds the narrative in the rugged, unpredictable landscape of Judea, reminding us that the path to the cross was not paved or easy.
For your faith life, this image offers comfort. You may face seasons where circumstances feel like a sudden torrent—overwhelming and difficult to navigate. Yet, just as Jesus walked through this wild terrain with his followers, He walks with you in your most turbulent moments. His presence turns a dangerous crossing into a step of obedience.
Trust that He is near even when the path seems unstable. The same God who guided His Son through the brook Kidron guides you through your own valleys. Rest in the certainty that no season, whether dry or flooding, is beyond His care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- winter stream1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- χειμάρρου1×
Key Verses
-
John 18:1
When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples over the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, into which he and his disciples entered.
This verse identifies the specific location as the brook Kidron, marking the transition from Jesus' teaching to his arrest and highlighting the physical reality of His journey.