5592. psuchos

Lexical Summary

psuchos: cold

Original Word: ψυχός
Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter
Transliteration: psuchos
Pronunciation: psoo-khos'
Phonetic Spelling: (psoo'-khos)
KJV: cold
NASB: cold
Word Origin: [from G5594 (ψύχω - grow cold)]

1. coolness

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

cold.

From psucho; coolness -- cold.

see GREEK psucho

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from psuchó
Definition
cold
NASB Translation
cold (3).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 5592: ψῦχος

ψῦχος (R G Tr WH), more correctly ψῦχος (L T; cf. (Tdf. Proleg., p. 102); Lipsius, Grammat. Untersuch., p. 44f), ψύχους, τό, (ψύχω, which see), from Homer down, cold: John 18:18; Acts 28:2; 2 Corinthians 11:27; for קֹר, Genesis 8:22; for קָרָה, Psalm 147:6(17); Job 37:8.

Topical Lexicon

Overview of New Testament Usage

Strong’s Greek 5592 appears three times, always in a literal sense describing low temperature or chill in the air:
• John 18:18 – a Jerusalem night around a charcoal fire.
• Acts 28:2 – a storm-soaked landing on Malta.
• 2 Corinthians 11:27 – Paul’s catalogue of hardships.

Each occurrence anchors a distinctive theological theme while preserving a vivid historical setting.

Physical Hardship and Apostolic Endurance

2 Corinthians 11:27 places “cold and exposure” among Paul’s sufferings. The chill is more than meteorological; it testifies to a willingness to surrender personal comfort for the advance of the gospel. The apostle’s resume of deprivation underscores four ministry principles:

1. Authenticity: bodily discomfort validates the sincerity of his message (compare Galatians 6:17).
2. Identification: sharing in Christ’s afflictions (Philippians 3:10) extends even to shivering nights and inadequate clothing (2 Timothy 4:13).
3. Dependence: the absence of warmth drives the servant to rely on divine strength, echoing 2 Corinthians 1:9.
4. Compassion: leaders who have felt the bite of cold are equipped to show mercy to others in distress (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Contrast Between Warmth and Cold in the Johannine Narrative

John 18:18 frames Peter’s denial against the backdrop of a cold courtyard. The evangelist’s detail performs literary and pastoral work:
• It highlights the gulf between Jesus, standing resolute before the high priest, and Peter, seeking physical warmth while spiritual courage cools.
• It invites reflection on the subtle progression from physical comfort-seeking to spiritual compromise (compare Luke 12:13-21).
• The charcoal fire reappears in John 21:9, where grace restores the apostle beside another fire, transforming a setting of failure into one of reinstatement.

Hospitality and Christian Compassion

Acts 28:2 commends the Maltese islanders who “kindled a fire and welcomed all of us because it was raining and cold”. Luke’s notice elevates:
• Hospitality as a universal grace that bridges language and culture.
• Practical mercy—sharing heat, shelter, and food—as an embodiment of loving one’s neighbor (James 2:15-17).
• God’s providential care for His servants, ensuring that even pagans become instruments of comfort (compare 1 Kings 17:9-16).

Historical and Climatic Background

Mediterranean winters can be harsh, especially in elevated Judean terrain or storm-tossed sea voyages. Cloaks were essential (2 Timothy 4:13), and open-air fires common (John 18:18). The realism of the narratives reinforces the reliability of the witness and aids modern readers in visualizing first-century life.

Old Testament Resonance

While the Hebrew Scriptures employ different vocabulary, the motif of cold appears:
• Proverbs 25:13 – “cold of snow” praising a faithful messenger.
• Jeremiah 36:22 – Jehoiakim’s winter fire, contrasting royal indifference with prophetic truth.

These parallels enrich the New Testament scenes, showing continuity in Scripture’s portrayal of climate as a stage for moral decision.

Theological and Pastoral Implications

1. God’s servants are not insulated from elemental hardship; mission often unfolds in discomfort.
2. Seasons of physical chill can mirror spiritual temptation; vigilance is required lest hearts grow cold (Matthew 24:12).
3. Practical acts—providing heat, clothing, shelter—are gospel-affirming deeds (Matthew 25:35-40).
4. Cold is transient; divine warmth—whether through human kindness or resurrection hope—prevails (Acts 28:10).

Application for Contemporary Ministry

• Prioritize relief ministries in winter months; supply blankets, heaters, and fellowship to the vulnerable.
• Prepare discipling resources that address the link between physical adversity and spiritual resilience.
• Employ the fireside scenes of John 18 and 21 for teaching on repentance and restoration.
• Encourage missionaries to expect and endure environmental challenges, citing 2 Corinthians 11:27 as precedent.

Strong’s 5592 therefore extends well beyond meteorology; it illumines endurance, compassion, and divine care, urging believers to warm the world with both the truth and the tangible love of Christ.

Forms and Transliterations

ψυχει ψύχει ψυχος ψύχος ψῦχος ψύχους psuchei psuchos psychei psýchei psychos psýchos

Englishman's Concordance

John 18:18 N-NNS
GRK: πεποιηκότες ὅτι ψύχος ἦν καὶ
NAS: a charcoal fire, for it was cold and they were warming
KJV: it was cold: and
INT: having made for cold it was and

Acts 28:2 N-ANS
GRK: διὰ τὸ ψύχος
NAS: in and because of the cold, they kindled
KJV: and because of the cold.
INT: because of the cold

2 Corinthians 11:27 N-DNS
GRK: πολλάκις ἐν ψύχει καὶ γυμνότητι
NAS: without food, in cold and exposure.
KJV: often, in cold and nakedness.
INT: often in cold and nakedness

Strong's Greek 5592
3 Occurrences

ψύχει — 1 Occ.
ψύχος — 2 Occ.