καυματίζω (kaumatizō)
kaumatizō
to scorch
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb kaumatizō means to scorch or burn with intense heat. Derived from the noun for "scorching heat" (kauma), it describes a physical destruction caused by extreme temperatures rather than a gentle warming. In the New Testament, this word appears only four times, creating a sharp image of devastation in both Jesus’ parables and John’s apocalyptic visions.
Its usage highlights the destructive power of unmitigated exposure to the sun. In the Parable of the Sower, the seeds that fell on rocky ground withered because they had no root, and the sun scorching them (kaumatizō) caused them to dry up completely (Matthew 13:6; Mark 4:6). This concrete detail illustrates how superficial faith cannot survive harsh conditions.
In Revelation, the term takes on a more terrifying theological weight. As the fifth trumpet and bowl judgments unfold, humanity is subjected to severe heat. One passage notes that people were scorched by the intense fire (Revelation 9:18), while another describes how they were burned by the sun’s fierce rays (Revelation 16:8-9). Here, the word underscores the severity of divine judgment, portraying a physical torment that leaves no room for escape.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word kaumatizō paints a vivid picture of sudden, intense heat that withers what was once alive. In the Gospels, it describes seeds scorched by the sun because they lacked deep roots. This image reminds us that faith needs more than a surface-level start; it requires depth to survive life’s pressures. When trials come, shallow roots cannot hold, and the heat reveals what is truly there.
In Revelation, the same word takes on a heavier tone, describing divine judgment where people are scorched by fire from the sun. Yet even in this severe context, the text notes that some did not repent. This shows that suffering can either harden the heart or lead to humility. The heat exposes our true state, inviting us to examine whether our trust is rooted deeply in God.
We do not face these trials alone. God’s word uses such strong imagery to wake us up, not to frighten us into despair. It calls us to dig deeper, to let our faith take root in Christ, so that when the sun rises, we stand firm rather than wither away.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- were scorched1×
- to scorch1×
- they were scorched,1×
- it was scorched1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἐκαυματίσθησαν1×
- ἐκαυματίσθη,1×
- ἐκαυματίσθη1×
- καυματίσαι1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 13:6
When the sun had risen, they were scorched. Because they had no root, they withered away.
This verse uses kaumatizō to show how superficial faith withers quickly under pressure because it lacks spiritual depth.
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Mark 4:6
When the sun had risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.
Here the scorching heat reveals the fragility of a life that has not taken root in the soil of God’s word.
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Revelation of John 16:8
The fourth poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was given to him to scorch men with fire.
The word describes God’s power to use extreme heat as an instrument of judgment, highlighting His sovereignty over creation.
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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.
Even when scorched by divine fire, the failure to repent shows how hard hearts can resist God’s warning signs.