καυσόω (G2741) — Greek Lexicon

καυσόω

kausóō

G2741 verb

SILEX Entry

Definition

to burn intensely, to cause to be consumed by heat or fire; primarily denotes the action of setting something on fire, or subjecting it to intense heat (literal burning). In figurative contexts, indicates being consumed, destroyed, or affected by extreme heat.

Semantic Range

to set on fire, to burn up completely, to be consumed by heat, to melt or dissolve by burning, to be subjected to fervent heat

Root / Etymology

From the noun καῦσις (burning, heat), itself from the root καυ-, denoting burning or heat.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, καυσόω is rare and has specialized use, appearing primarily in later and Koine Greek. Its core sense aligns with that of καίω (to burn), but καυσόω emphasizes the process or result of intense burning or consuming heat. In the New Testament (e.g., 2 Peter 3:10, 12), the verb appears in apocalyptic contexts to describe the complete incineration or destruction of the earth's elements; this intensifies the image of total transformation or dissolution through burning. The underlying sense does not primarily extend to metaphorical fervor or emotional intensity (unlike ζέω), but remains focused on physical combustion and destruction by fire. Standard English translations often render it as 'burn up,' 'melt with fervent heat,' or 'be consumed by fire,' capturing the emphasis on total effect, but sometimes lose the nuance of process versus result. The word has limited attestation outside biblical Greek and does not carry significant theological or religious connotations on its own.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from καῦσις; to set on fire:--fervent heat.

Root Family

καυσόω (kausoō) — to burn, set on fire, subject to intense heat

Root καυ- to burn, set on fire, subject to intense heat

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE	Surface	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2	Occurrences
`G2741-01`	καυσούμενα	kausoumena	`V PRS PASS PTCP NOM N PL`	being burned up	being intensely burned	being intensely burned	2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE	Reference	Word	Transliteration	Morphology	Common	SIBI-P1	SIBI-P2
`G2741-01`	2 Peter 3:10	καυσούμενα	kausoumena	`V PRS PASS PTCP NOM N PL`	being burned up	being intensely burned	being intensely burned
`G2741-01`	2 Peter 3:12	καυσούμενα	kausoumena	`V PRS PASS PTCP NOM N PL`	will melt	being intensely burned	being intensely burned

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