ὑποπνέω
hupopneō
to blow gently
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word ὑποπνέω (hupopneō) is a verb that means "to blow gently." This suggests a soft and subtle movement of air, rather than a strong or forceful one. The word is used only once in the Bible, which indicates its relatively rare usage in ancient Greek. Given its definition, the range of usage for ὑποπνέω is likely limited to contexts where a gentle breeze or wind is being described. This could include natural environments, such as a calm sea or a peaceful landscape, or it could be used metaphorically to describe a gentle or soothing influence. The significance of ὑποπνέω lies in its ability to convey a sense of calmness and serenity. In a world where strong winds and storms were a common occurrence, the idea of a gentle breeze would have been a welcome and comforting one. This word offers a glimpse into the poetic and descriptive language of the ancient Greeks, and its use in the Bible adds a touch of beauty and tranquility to the text.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence across the text