denotes "a cloudy, shapeless mass covering the heavens." Hence, metaphorically, of "a dense multitude, a throng," Heb 12:1.
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"a definitely shaped cloud, or masses of clouds possessing definite form," is used, besides the physical element, (a) of the "cloud" on the mount of transfiguration, Mat 17:5; (b) of the "cloud" which covered Israel in the Red Sea, 1Co 1:10-2; (c), of "clouds" seen in the Apocalyptic visions, Rev 1:7, Rev 10:1, Rev 11:12, Rev 1:14-16; (d) metaphorically in 2Pe 2:17, of the evil workers there mentioned; but RV, "and mists" (homichle), according to the most authentic mss. In 1Th 4:17, the "clouds" referred to in connection with the rapture of the saints are probably the natural ones, as also in the case of those in connection with Christ's Second Advent to the earth. See Mat 24:30, Mat 26:64, and parallel passages. So at the Ascension, Act 1:9.
