[Greek] μετεωρίζομαι (meteōrizomai), [Latin] suspensus: to raise, to suspend, to elevate, to be uncertain, to hesitate, to be anxious, to be uncertain, to be up in the air, to be unsettled, to be distracted, to be uplifted, to be arrogant, to be perplexed, to be puffed up, to be put out to sea; Lk.12:29
Background Information:
Old Testament: This term can be used in both a literal and figurative sense. In scripture passages, the Lord’s house is exalted, the cherubim’s wings are lifted, and the eagle is mounted. This term is also used to describe a person being arrogant. Such person is described as “puffed up” and “exalting oneself.”
New Testament: This term takes on a more nuanced sense, having a both a literal and figurative sense. The scripture passage in Luke’s gospel encourages one not be anxious or to worry. This is related to the early Christian exhortation against arrogance and exhortation to moderation. Humility and humbleness are attitudes to strive for. The greatness of God’s providence is all that is needed to deflect such anxious concerns and little faith. This value was stressed in light of the early Christians experiencing anxiety, unsettlement, and persecution.
Scripture:
“As for you, do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, and do not worry anymore.” Lk. 12:29
God tells us to have complete trust in Him. We need to trust in God’s Providence.
Science history: The Greek noun meteros is something raised up. In the middle ages, this referred to any atmospheric phenomena. It was only during the Elizabethan times, that this was identified with a fireball, rock, or shooting star. This study later developed into meteorology, the study of atmosphere and weather forecasting.
Conclusion:
Meteor, meteoroid, meteorology, meteorite, suspense
I was surprised to discover that this term originally had a figurative sense. Like meteors, I would have not seen that coming. So, it makes sense that, when someone is “up in the air” about something, he is not sure about it. So, we are no longer in suspense about what this means.