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καῦσις

kaûsis

G2740 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

The act of burning or consuming by fire; primarily refers to combustion or being set on fire. Contextually, it may denote burning as a physical process, or metaphorically as an act of judgment, destruction, or purification.

Semantic Range

burning, act of combustion, being consumed by fire, destructive burning, process of purification (by fire), act of judgment (by fire)

Root / Etymology

From the verb καίω (to burn, set on fire) with the suffix -σις denoting action or process. Thus, καῦσις means 'the act of burning'.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, καῦσις denotes the process of burning, often in the context of fire or heat applied to matter. It can also describe burning as a method of medical cauterization or purification. In Hellenistic and Koine usage, including the New Testament (e.g., 2 Peter 3:10,12), it typically refers to destructive burning, sometimes as part of apocalyptic imagery or divine judgment. The Septuagint employs similar terms for literal and metaphorical acts of burning. Standard English translations often render the term as 'burning' or 'consumed by fire,' but may not always capture metaphorical nuances such as purification or judgment. Distinct from related words like πύρωσις (refining fire, fiery ordeal), which emphasizes the purificatory or testing aspect of fire, whereas καῦσις focuses on the process or result of being burned.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from καίω; burning (the act):--be burned.

Root Family

καῠ- (kaûsis) — to burn, to consume, to set on fire

Root καῠ- to burn, to consume, to set on fire

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2740-01 καῦσιν kausin N ACC F SG burning burning burning 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2740-01 Hebrews 6:8 καῦσιν kausin N ACC F SG burning burning burning
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