θερμαίνω (thermainō)
thermainō
to warm
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb thermainō means to make something hot or to warm oneself. It appears in five New Testament verses, primarily within the narratives of Jesus’ arrest and trial in John and Mark, as well as a practical illustration in James.
In these accounts, the word describes people warming themselves by a charcoal fire. This detail grounds the story in a tangible, physical reality. The cold night air makes the warmth of the coals a natural refuge for those standing in the courtyard.
The sources note that this term is often used in the middle voice, indicating that the subject warms their own body. In James 2:16, it highlights the gap between words and action when someone wishes another well without providing warmth or food. The word reminds readers that faith involves meeting real, physical needs.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read about Peter warming himself by a charcoal fire, it feels strangely familiar. The cold night air and the simple desire for physical comfort ground the story in our own reality. We all know what it is to seek warmth when the world feels chilly or hostile. This word reminds us that faith does not ignore our physical needs; rather, it meets them with honesty.
Yet James challenges us to go further. He asks what good it is to wish someone well without offering real help. True care moves beyond polite words into tangible action. It is about sharing the warmth we have received, ensuring no one stands alone in the cold. This simple act of meeting a neighbor's need reflects the heart of Christ.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- warming himself.2×
- warming himself,1×
- warming himself1×
- they were warming themselves;1×
- do be warmed1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐθερμαίνοντο·1×
- θερμαίνεσθε1×
- θερμαινόμενος.¶1×
- θερμαινόμενος.1×
- θερμαινόμενος1×
- θερμαινόμενον,1×
Key Verses
-
John 18:18
Now the servants and the officers were standing there, having made a fire of coals, for it was cold. They were warming themselves. Peter was with them, standing and warming himself.
This verse sets the scene where the physical need for warmth becomes the backdrop for Peter's denial, highlighting human vulnerability.
-
James 2:16
and one of you tells them, “Go in peace. Be warmed and filled;” yet you didn’t give them the things the body needs, what good is it?
Here the word shifts from a physical act to a moral test, showing that empty wishes without practical support are useless.