Lexical Summary hupopneó: To blow gently, to breathe softly Original Word: ὑποπνέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance blow softly. From hupo and pneo; to breathe gently, i.e. Breeze -- blow softly. see GREEK hupo see GREEK pneo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom hupo and pneó Definition to blow underneath NASB Translation moderate...came (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5285: ὑποπνέωὑποπνέω: 1 aorist ὑπέπνευσα; a. to blow underneath (Aristar.). b. to blow softly (see ὑπό, III. 2): Acts 27:13. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Imagery of a Soft Breeze The verb behind Strong’s Greek 5285 describes a wind that breathes softly or gently—an almost imperceptible stirring of air that promises smooth sailing. Scripture often personifies wind as an agent of God’s providence (Psalm 107:25; Jonah 1:4), so the appearance of a mild breeze invites reflection on the subtle ways the Lord can guide—or test—human plans. Single New Testament Occurrence: Acts 27:13 “When a gentle south breeze began to blow, they thought they had obtained their goal. So they weighed anchor and sailed along the shore of Crete.” (Acts 27:13) Luke’s deliberate choice of this rare verb heightens the dramatic tension. The crew interprets the soft wind as a favorable sign, yet within hours they are fighting for their lives in a violent northeaster (Acts 27:14). The sudden shift from calm to chaos teaches that outward circumstances, however reassuring, must never replace confidence in God’s word (Proverbs 3:5–6). Historical and Nautical Background Ancient Mediterranean sailors watched seasonal winds closely. A southerly in late autumn could shorten the route past Crete toward Italy. By November, however, the risk of cyclonic “Euraquilo” gales increased. Mariners weighed convenience against caution, hoping for stable weather but fully aware of the sea’s unpredictability. Luke’s terminology mirrors maritime logs of his day, underscoring the historical reliability of the narrative. Foreshadowing and Narrative Purpose The gentle breeze is more than scene-setting; it foreshadows the spiritual storm to follow. Paul has already warned, “Men, I can see that our voyage will be filled with hardship and much loss” (Acts 27:10). Yet the crew is swayed by the apparent evidence of the senses. The verb therefore marks a moment of misplaced confidence, exposing human vulnerability and setting the stage for God’s dramatic deliverance (Acts 27:23–24). Theological and Pastoral Insights 1. Discernment: Believers must test circumstances against divine revelation. A situation that “feels right” may still lead to adversity (James 4:13–15). Related Biblical Motifs • False assurances: Israel’s reliance on Egypt’s chariots (Isaiah 31:1). Applications for Contemporary Ministry • Decision-Making: Churches facing strategic choices should weigh apparent opportunities against scriptural counsel and prayer, not merely “open doors.” Key Takeaways The solitary New Testament appearance of Strong’s 5285 captures a moment when gentle conditions deceived seasoned sailors. Scripture uses this fleeting breeze to contrast human optimism with divine foresight, calling believers to place ultimate trust not in shifting circumstances but in the unchanging word and care of God. Forms and Transliterations Υποπνευσαντος υποπνεύσαντος Ὑποπνεύσαντος Hypopneusantos Hypopneúsantos UpopneusantosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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