νεφέλη

a cloud

Definition

In the New Testament, νεφέλη (nephelē) primarily refers to a literal cloud in the sky, as seen in Luke 9:34-35 where a cloud overshadows Jesus and the disciples at the Transfiguration. More significantly, it often denotes a supernatural or theophanic cloud, a visible manifestation of God's presence and glory, such as the cloud from which God speaks at Jesus' baptism (Matthew 17:5) and the cloud accompanying Jesus at his ascension (Acts 1:9). In eschatological contexts, it symbolizes the majestic, divine vehicle for Christ's return, as when the Son of Man comes 'on the clouds of heaven' (Matthew 24:30, Matthew 26:64).

Biblical Usage

The word is used 22 times, predominantly in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) and Revelation. Its usage follows two clear patterns: descriptive of natural phenomena (e.g., Luke 12:54) and, more commonly, theological, depicting divine manifestation. In the Gospels, it is central to key revelatory events—the Transfiguration (Mark 9:7) and Christ's predictions of his return (Mark 13:26). In Revelation, it maintains this apocalyptic sense (Revelation 1:7, 14:14-16).

Etymology

Derived from the ancient Greek νέφος (nephos), also meaning 'cloud'. It is a standard, enduring term for a cloud in Greek literature, with no significant shift in its core meaning from classical to Koine Greek. The word itself is onomatopoeic in origin, likely imitating the sound or concept of a misty, billowing mass.

Semantic Range

Νεφέλη is theologically significant as a symbol of God's presence, echoing the Old Testament cloud of glory (Shekinah) that guided Israel (Exodus 13:21) and filled the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34). In the New Testament, this cloud directly validates Jesus' divine sonship (Matthew 17:5) and becomes the promised mode of his glorious second coming. Understanding this continuity enriches reading by connecting Jesus' majesty directly to Yahweh's self-revelation in the Hebrew Scriptures.

In the ancient Mediterranean and Jewish world, clouds were not just meteorological features but potent symbols of the divine realm, obscurity, and majesty. The 'cloud rider' motif (cf. Daniel 7:13) was a recognized image of a divine or heavenly figure coming in power. This cultural backdrop makes Jesus' claim in Matthew 26:64 ('you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven') a direct, high-impact claim to divinity and authority, which his Jewish audience would have immediately understood.

ὁμίχλη (homichlē, G3658) — a mist or fog, a lower, denser cloud near the ground; νεφέλη is the general term for clouds in the sky.

Word Details

Scripture References