θεῖον (theion)
theion
sulfur
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun theion refers to sulfur, or brimstone, a substance known for its pungent odor and flammability. In the New Testament, it appears in Luke 17:29 and several passages in Revelation, where it serves as a vivid symbol of divine judgment. The imagery connects back to the Old Testament account of Sodom and Gomorrah, where fire and brimstone rained down from heaven (Genesis 19:24), establishing a pattern of destruction for wickedness.
Thayer’s notes suggest the word may derive from a root meaning "flashing," linking the physical substance to its dramatic visual effect. In Revelation, this element is not merely geological but theological, representing the severity of God’s wrath against evil. It appears in descriptions of torment and final defeat, such as in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10), emphasizing a finality that transcends ordinary punishment.
Translators typically render theion as "brimstone" to preserve this ancient, visceral connection to judgment. The word carries weight because it evokes both physical destruction and spiritual separation. Its usage in Revelation ties back to prophetic traditions, reminding readers of the consequences of rejecting divine order.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word theion, translated as sulfur or brimstone, evokes a substance known for its intense heat and pungent smell. In Scripture, it is not used to describe everyday comfort but rather the serious reality of divine judgment against evil. When we encounter this imagery, it reminds us that God takes sin seriously and that His justice is absolute.
This concept appears most vividly in Luke 17:29, where fire and sulfur rained down on Sodom. It serves as a historical warning of the consequences of rejecting God’s moral order. The New Testament carries this forward in Revelation, using the image to describe the final defeat of evil forces.
For believers, these passages are not meant to induce fear but to highlight the seriousness of our calling. They underscore the hope that wrong will ultimately be righted and that God’s kingdom will be fully established. This assurance allows us to live with integrity, trusting in His ultimate justice.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- brimstone3×
- brimstone.2×
- with brimstone,1×
- of sulfur1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- θείου2×
- θεῖον.1×
- θεῖον1×
- θείῳ.1×
- θείῳ,1×
- θείῳ1×
Key Verses
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Luke 17:29
but in the day that Lot went out from Sodom, it rained fire and sulfur from the sky and destroyed them all.
This verse establishes the historical precedent of divine judgment using fire and sulfur, linking Lot’s time to future eschatological events.
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Revelation of John 14:10
he also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is prepared unmixed in the cup of his anger. He will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.
Here, the substance is paired with fire to describe the torment of those who reject God, emphasizing the presence of holy angels and the Lamb during this judgment.
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Revelation of John 20:10
The devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet are also. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
This occurrence marks the final destination of the devil, beast, and false prophet in the lake of fire, signifying the permanent end of evil's influence.