### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἐκκαίω (ekkaíō) `{{G1572}}` is a compound word formed from the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning "out of" or "from," often functioning as an intensifier, and the verb καίω (kaiō) `{{G2545}}`, meaning "to burn," "to kindle," or "to consume by fire." The combination suggests a burning that is thorough, complete, outward, or deeply internal. The base definition "to inflame deeply" captures this intensified sense, indicating a profound and pervasive state of being set alight, whether literally or, more commonly in biblical usage, metaphorically. It implies a passion or desire that is not superficial but consumes or thoroughly possesses an individual.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb ἐκκαίω `{{G1572}}` appears only once in the New Testament, found in Paul's letter to the Romans:
* **[[Romans 1:27]]**: "and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error."
In this singular occurrence, ἐκκαίω is used metaphorically to describe the intense, consuming nature of unnatural lust. The phrase "burned in their lust" (ἐξεκαύθησαν ἐν τῇ ὀρέξει αὐτῶν) vividly portrays a passion that has become overwhelming and unrestrained. The prefix ἐκ here emphasizes the depth and intensity of this internal "burning," suggesting that these desires were not merely fleeting thoughts but deeply ingrained, consuming passions that drove individuals to engage in actions contrary to God's created order. The context in Romans 1 is a theological exposition of humanity's descent into depravity when God "gives them over" to their sinful desires, and this "burning" lust is presented as a consequence of rejecting the Creator.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **καίω (kaiō) `{{G2545}}`**: The root verb, meaning "to burn" or "to kindle." ἐκκαίω is an intensification of this basic action.
* **πυρόω (pyroō) `{{G4448}}`**: Meaning "to set on fire," "to be inflamed," or "to be on fire." This verb can also be used metaphorically for being inflamed with emotion, whether righteous zeal or unrighteous passion (cf. [[2 Corinthians 11:29]]).
* **φλογίζω (phlogizō) `{{G5395}}`**: To set on fire, to inflame, related to φλόξ (phlox), a flame.
* **ὀρέξις (orexis) `{{G3715}}`**: The noun for "lust" or "desire" used in [[Romans 1:27]], with which ἐκκαίω is directly associated.
* **Concepts**: The word relates to concepts of intense passion, consuming desire, moral corruption, and the consequences of unrestrained sin. It stands in stark contrast to positive biblical concepts of "burning" with zeal for God (e.g., [[Luke 24:32]], [[Acts 18:25]]) or the purifying fire of the Holy Spirit (e.g., [[Acts 2:3]]).
### Theological Significance
The singular use of ἐκκαίω `{{G1572}}` in [[Romans 1:27]] carries profound theological weight. It serves as a powerful descriptor of the depth of human depravity when individuals suppress the truth of God and are given over to their own desires. The "deeply inflamed" nature of the lust signifies not merely a temptation but a state where sinful desire has become an overwhelming, consuming force. This intense burning is presented as a consequence of humanity's turning away from God, leading to actions that are "shameful" and incur "the due penalty for their error."
The theological significance lies in its portrayal of:
1. **The Intensity of Sinful Desire**: It highlights how deeply sin can penetrate and consume the human heart and mind, leading to actions that are not just occasional lapses but a pervasive state of being driven by ungodly passions.
2. **Divine Judgment and Consequence**: The "burning" is not a direct act of divine wrath but a description of the internal state that results when God "gives them over" to their own choices. It underscores the natural, destructive consequences of rebellion against the Creator's design.
3. **Contrast with Righteous Passion**: By depicting a destructive, unholy "burning," the word implicitly contrasts with the righteous "burning" of zeal for God, love for Christ, or the purifying work of the Holy Spirit. This distinction is crucial for understanding the nature of biblical passion.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἐκκαίω (ekkaíō) `{{G1572}}` signifies an intense, deep, or complete burning, derived from the intensifying prefix ἐκ and the root verb καίω (to burn). Its sole New Testament occurrence in [[Romans 1:27]] is metaphorical, describing an overwhelming and consuming lust ("burned in their lust") that drives individuals to unnatural and shameful acts. This powerful imagery underscores the profound depth and destructive nature of sinful desires when humanity rejects God's truth and is given over to its own depravity. The word thus serves as a stark theological commentary on the consequences of rebellion against divine order, highlighting the intensity of ungodly passions and their role in humanity's fallen condition.
TRV