ἐκκαίω
ekkaíō
G1572 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To kindle, set on fire, cause to burn intensely; in figurative usage, to inflame intensely (as of emotions, passions, or zeal). The primary sense is the act of igniting or causing something to burn thoroughly, either literally (physically setting something alight) or metaphorically (arousing strong feelings).
Semantic Range
to ignite, to kindle a fire, to set on fire, to inflame deeply, to arouse intense emotion or zeal
Root / Etymology
From ἐκ (out of, from) and καίω (to burn, ignite), forming a compound that emphasizes the idea of burning outwards or thoroughly. No evidence of derivation from non-Greek roots.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The verb ἐκκαίω is rare in extant Greek literature and is attested only sporadically in Koine sources, with primary attestation in New Testament and related Christian texts. In classical and Hellenistic Greek, the uncompounded form καίω was much more common for 'to burn' or 'kindle.' The prefix ἐκ- strengthens the action, suggesting complete or intensive burning (thus: set thoroughly alight, inflame). In figurative contexts, ἐκκαίω can connote intense arousal of emotions, especially zeal, anger, or desire. English Bible translations typically render the word as 'burn' or 'inflame,' which broadly reflect its core sense, but may miss the nuance of intensified or initiating action conveyed by the compound. No significant semantic shift is noted between the Septuagint and New Testament periods due to the rarity of the term, though in later Christian Greek usage it can refer to arousing spiritual fervor.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ἐκ and καίω; to inflame deeply:--burn.
Root Family
ἐκκαίω (ekkaíō) — to burn, to kindle, to set alight, to inflame intensely
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1572-01 |
ἐξεκαύθησαν | exekauthesan | V AOR PASS IND 3P PL |
burned | they were set ablaze | they were inflamed | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G1572-01 |
Romans 1:27 | ἐξεκαύθησαν | exekauthesan | V AOR PASS IND 3P PL |
burned | they were set ablaze | they were inflamed |