Bible Dictionary
COOL
Cool describes the evening breeze that tempers the heat of the day. In the New Testament phrase “cool my tongue,” it refers to relief from burning thirst in the realm of the dead.
Definition
Cool may describe the evening breeze that tempers the heat of the day. It may also describe the relief sought from burning thirst, as in the request for water to cool the tongue.
Biblical Usage
The “cool of the day” refers to the time when the evening wind had moderated the day’s heat. “Cool my tongue” occurs in the account of the rich man and Lazarus and reflects the Jewish notion that Abraham could rescue descendants from the fires of Hades.
Historical Background
The evening breeze enabled people in the East to walk abroad after the heat of the day had lessened.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>kool (ruach, "wind"; katapsucho, "to cool down"): "Cool of the day" (Ge 3:8, margin "wind"), when the evening breeze has tempered the heat of the day, enabling Orientals to walk abroad. "Cool my tongue" (Lu 16:24), a phrase reflecting the Jewish notion that Abraham had power to rescue his descendants from the fires of Hades.</p>