### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **θεῖον (theîon)**, represented by `{{G2303}}`, refers to **sulphur** or **brimstone**. It appears 7 times in 7 unique verses, exclusively in contexts of divine judgment and destruction. Its meaning is rooted in the sense of something that flashes or is divinely sent.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G2303}}` is consistently associated with fire as an agent of God's wrath. This is seen both historically and prophetically. In the gospel of Luke, it is mentioned in the context of the destruction of Sodom, where **fire** and **brimstone** rained from heaven and destroyed them all [[Luke 17:29]]. The book of Revelation expands this theme, describing plagues of **fire**, smoke, and **brimstone** issuing from the mouths of supernatural horses [[Revelation 9:18]] and establishing the "lake of fire and **brimstone**" as the place of final punishment [[Revelation 20:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the role and context of **brimstone**:
* `{{G4442}}` **pŷr** (fire): This word for **fire** is almost always paired with brimstone, signifying an intense and consuming judgment [[Revelation 14:10]].
* `{{G3041}}` **límnē** (lake): This term for a **lake** or pond is used to describe the final destination for the unrighteous, a place burning with fire and brimstone [[Revelation 19:20]].
* `{{G928}}` **basanízō** (to torture): This word describes the effect of the lake of fire and brimstone, where those cast into it will be **tormented** day and night forever [[Revelation 20:10]].
* `{{G2288}}` **thánatos** (death): The ultimate consequence of being cast into the lake of fire and brimstone is described as the second **death** [[Revelation 21:8]].
* `{{G2306}}` **theiṓdēs** (brimstone): This adjective, meaning sulphurous, is used to describe the material of breastplates worn by apocalyptic riders, connecting it directly to the plague they unleash [[Revelation 9:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G2303}}` is centered on the finality and severity of divine judgment.
* **A Substance of Divine Wrath:** From the historical judgment on **Sodom** [[Luke 17:29]] to the final punishment of the **devil** `{{G1228}}`, the **beast** `{{G2342}}`, and the **false prophet** `{{G5578}}`, brimstone is a physical manifestation of God's indignation ([[Revelation 14:10]], [[Revelation 20:10]]).
* **The Second Death:** The "lake which burneth with fire and **brimstone**" is explicitly defined as "the second **death**," the final portion for the fearful `{{G1169}}`, unbelieving `{{G571}}`, murderers `{{G5406}}`, **sorcerers** `{{G5332}}`, **idolaters** `{{G1496}}`, and all liars [[Revelation 21:8]].
* **Apocalyptic Weaponry:** Brimstone is not just a feature of a location but is also an active weapon of destruction in apocalyptic visions, issuing from the mouths of supernatural **horses** `{{G2462}}` to kill a third of mankind [[Revelation 9:18]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2303}}` is a powerful symbol of ultimate and irreversible judgment. While appearing infrequently, its use paints a vivid picture of divine retribution. Consistently linked with fire and torment, **brimstone** functions as both the substance of the final punishment in the lake of fire and as a destructive plague, underscoring the severity of God's wrath against evil.
TRV