πυρόω (puroō)
puroō
to burn
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb puroō describes a process of being burned or set ablaze, derived from the root for fire (pyr). In the New Testament, it appears in six verses, often carrying a passive sense where something is consumed by flames. For instance, 2 Peter 3:12 speaks of the heavens burning up, while Ephesians 6:16 uses the imagery of glowing embers to describe the "flaming arrows" of the evil one.
Beyond physical combustion, the word carries significant metaphorical weight. In 2 Corinthians 11:29, Paul describes being "burned" with anxiety and indignation for the churches, illustrating intense emotional turmoil. Similarly, 1 Corinthians 7:9 uses it to describe the consuming nature of lust or passion. This usage highlights how the word captures an internal state that feels as hot and uncontrollable as a fire.
In Revelation, the term takes on a refining quality. In passages like Revelation 1:15 and 3:18, believers are described as glowing like metal in a furnace. Here, the burning is not destructive but purifying, suggesting a process of being tested and made pure through heat. This aligns with Old Testament imagery where fire refines metals, stripping away impurities to reveal what is genuine.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word puroō captures the intense heat of fire, but in Scripture it often points to something deeper than physical combustion. It describes a refining process where impurities are stripped away, leaving behind what is genuine and pure. This imagery reminds us that difficult seasons can serve as a furnace for character, testing our faith not to destroy us, but to reveal the strength within.
We also see this word applied to human emotions, such as burning passion or indignation. These internal fires highlight how deeply we care about what is right and who we love. When we feel consumed by anxiety or desire, we are reminded that our hearts are capable of great intensity. The Christian life invites us to bring these hot emotions before God, asking for the wisdom to channel them into love and service rather than letting them control us.
Ultimately, this word points to a hope of purification. Just as metal is refined by fire, believers are described as being tested so that their faith may stand strong. This process is not about punishment but about preparation. It offers comfort in times of trial, knowing that God uses these moments to make us more like Christ, pure and ready for His purpose.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- refined2×
- to burn with passion.1×
- enflamed1×
- do burn inwardly?1×
- being set on fire1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πυροῦσθαι.¶1×
- πυροῦμαι;1×
- πυρούμενοι1×
- πεπυρωμένον1×
- πεπυρωμένης1×
- πεπυρωμένα1×
Key Verses
-
I Corinthians 7:9
But if they don’t have self-control, let them marry. For it’s better to marry than to burn with passion.
This verse uses the word to describe the consuming nature of sexual passion, highlighting the need for self-control or marriage as a healthy outlet.
-
II Peter 3:12
looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, which will cause the burning heavens to be dissolved, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?
Here the term describes the heavens burning up at the day of God, emphasizing the transformative power of divine judgment and renewal.
-
Revelation of John 1:15
His feet were like burnished brass, as if it had been refined in a furnace. His voice was like the voice of many waters.
The imagery of feet like burnished brass refined in a furnace illustrates Christ’s purity and glory after being tested by suffering.