Winter
“Choreph, from a root meaning 'to inundate,' referring to the rainy season”
Summary
Winter in Palestine was the rainy season extending roughly from October to April, bringing cold, storms, and the essential rains for the agricultural year.
☩Climate and Conditions
In Palestine, winter (Hebrew choreph, Greek cheimon) denoted the rainy season from approximately September to March. Though the cold was not usually severe, north winds from mid-December to mid-February were penetrating. Snow fell occasionally but seldom remained on the ground except in mountains. In shady places ice would occasionally bear a person's weight but thawed when the sun struck it. The most furious hailstorms occurred in this season, brooks filled their channels, and thunder and lightning were frequent.
☩Practical Considerations
Winter conditions affected daily life significantly. Jesus warned His disciples to pray that their flight would not be in winter, when travel was most difficult. Shipping on the Mediterranean was suspended during winter months, as Paul experienced when wintering at various ports. Wealthy families had separate winter and summer houses, with winter houses featuring enclosed chambers with heating braziers. The Jordan Valley around Jericho, being warmer in winter, was traditionally the site of winter palaces.
Related Verses15 mentions
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Winter," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Hastings (ed.), "Winter," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).