Lexical Summary chóros: Place, region, land Original Word: χῶρος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance northwest windOf Latin origin; the north-west wind -- north west. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Latin origin Definition the northwest wind NASB Translation northwest (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5566: χῶροςχῶρος, χωρου, ὁ, the northwest wind (LatinCorus orCaurus): for the quarter of the heavens from which this wind blows, Acts 27:12 (on which see λίψ, 2). Topical Lexicon Overview Strong’s Greek 5566 refers to a particular point of the compass that we render “northwest” in English. It appears once in the New Testament and contributes to the vivid, eyewitness quality of Luke’s account of Paul’s voyage to Rome. Biblical setting: Acts 27 The single occurrence comes in Acts 27:12. Luke records that the harbor of Phoenix in Crete was “facing both southwest and northwest”. The descriptive clause frames the decision of the ship’s officers and crew to leave Fair Havens and attempt to winter in a more sheltered anchorage. The term translated “northwest” (5566) identifies one of the two prevailing directions toward which the harbor opened. Nautical and geographical background 1. Mediterranean seamanship depended on seasonal winds. From mid-September to mid-March (the “dangerous” period, Acts 27:9) mariners sought harbors whose mouths did not open toward the strongest winter gales. Luke’s historical reliability The accurate use of a rare nautical term supports Luke’s credibility: The inspired text thus weaves precise technical detail into the larger narrative, reinforcing confidence in Scripture’s trustworthiness. Symbolic and theological reflections • Human calculation vs. God’s sovereignty: The mariners fixated on harbor orientation; Paul listened to the Lord’s messenger (Acts 27:23–25). Their chosen direction could not avert the storm, but obedience to God’s word preserved every life on board (Acts 27:44). Lessons for ministry today 1. Accuracy matters. Luke’s careful observation models diligence for pastors, teachers, and missionaries who communicate the gospel in concrete historical settings. Conclusion Though occurring only once, Strong’s Greek 5566 enriches our understanding of Acts 27 and stands as a small but telling witness to the historical precision and theological depth of the Word of God. Forms and Transliterations χωρον χώρον χῶρον ψαλίδες choron chôron chōron chō̂ronLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |