"a squall of wind, a hurricane, Mk. 4:37; Lk. 8:23; 2 Pet. 2:17*"
Definition and meaning
a squall of wind, a hurricane, Mk. 4:37; Lk. 8:23; 2 Pet. 2:17*
In the original Greek the word is written: λαῖλαψ
Historical context
The Gospel of Mark moves urgently — the word "immediately" appears over 40 times. It was written for a Roman audience familiar with power and action. Jesus is portrayed as a man who acts, heals, and commands authority that the Roman world had never seen from a Jewish teacher.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of lailaps (G2978) across the King James Bible.
And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.
These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
Refiner gives you the full lexicon entry, AI-powered verse insight, historical commentary, cross-references, and voice study — all in one place.
Free to start · Disciple $4.99/mo · Shepherd $9.99/mo
Common questions
Strong's G2978 (lailaps) is a Greek word that means: a squall of wind, a hurricane, Mk. 4:37; Lk. 8:23; 2 Pet. 2:17* It appears 3 times in the King James Bible.
The word lailaps (G2978) appears 3 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G2978 is lailaps, a Greek word defined as: a squall of wind, a hurricane, Mk. 4:37; Lk. 8:23; 2 Pet. 2:17*. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
lailaps is a Greek word found in the New Testament.