καῦμα (kauma)
kauma
heat
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek noun kauma refers to intense, burning heat. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both in the Book of Revelation, where it describes a severe and painful scorching that affects the natural world and human experience.
This word conveys more than just warm weather; it implies a harsh, oppressive dryness. The sources link it to the Old Testament Hebrew terms for heat or drought, suggesting a context of judgment or extreme environmental stress. In Revelation 7:16, those who have endured hardship are promised relief from this kauma, indicating its role as a symbol of suffering.
Similarly, in Revelation 16:9, the kauma is part of a series of plagues, where people are scorched by the sun yet refuse to repent. The term highlights the physical intensity of these events, serving as a vivid image of divine severity and the tangible consequences of rebellion against God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kauma describes an intense, burning heat that goes beyond ordinary warmth. In the New Testament, it appears only twice in Revelation, painting a picture of severe environmental stress and suffering. It is not just hot weather; it is a harsh, oppressive dryness that affects both the land and the people living on it.
For believers, this imagery offers a profound contrast. In Revelation 7:16, God promises those who endure hardship that they will no longer feel this scorching sun. It is a promise of relief from pain and exhaustion. Even when life feels overwhelming or unjust, there is a future where such suffering is removed entirely.
Conversely, Revelation 16:9 shows people scorched by this heat yet refusing to turn back to God. This highlights the seriousness of ignoring divine warnings. Yet, the very existence of the promise in chapter seven shows that God sees our struggles and provides a way out. His comfort is real and tangible.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- with heat1×
- scorching heat,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- καῦμα,1×
- καῦμα1×
Key Verses
-
Revelation of John 7:16
They will never be hungry or thirsty any more. The sun won’t beat on them, nor any heat;
This verse uses kauma to describe the suffering from which God’s people will be completely relieved, highlighting the promise of eternal comfort.
-
Revelation of John 16:9
People were scorched with great heat, and people blasphemed the name of God who has the power over these plagues. They didn’t repent and give him glory.
Here, the intense heat serves as a judgment that hardens hearts rather than leading to repentance, showing the severity of divine discipline.