probably neuter of θεῖος (in its original sense of flashing); sulphur:--brimstone.
Transliteration:theîon
Pronunciation:thi'-on
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word *theîon* (`{{G2303}}`), transliterated as *theîon*, refers to sulphur, commonly known as brimstone. Its base definition suggests a connection to the concept of "flashing" or "burning," which aligns with the highly flammable nature of sulphur and its pungent odor when ignited. While etymologically it may share a root with *theios* (`{{G2304}}`), meaning "divine" or "godly," its biblical application does not connote divinity in a positive sense. Instead, *theîon* is consistently employed in contexts of divine judgment, destruction, and intense heat, often as a tangible manifestation of God's wrath. Its primary semantic range is therefore limited to this destructive and punitive aspect.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of *theîon* in the New Testament are relatively few but profoundly significant, always appearing in conjunction with fire and serving as a potent symbol of divine judgment.
1. **Luke 17:29**: "But the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all." Here, *theîon* directly references the historical judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah, establishing an Old Testament precedent for its meaning. This event, where God's direct intervention rained down destructive elements, serves as a paradigm for future judgments.
2. **Revelation 9:17-18**: In a vision of the sixth trumpet judgment, horses are described as having "fire and smoke and brimstone" proceeding from their mouths, by which a third of mankind is killed. This portrays *theîon* as an instrument of widespread death and divine wrath in the end times.
3. **Revelation 14:10**: Describing the torment of those who worship the beast, the text states they "will be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb." This is a vivid depiction of eternal conscious punishment, emphasizing its divine origin and visibility.
4. **Revelation 19:20**: The beast and the false prophet are "cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone." This marks their ultimate and decisive defeat, signifying the finality of their judgment.
5. **Revelation 20:10**: The devil, the great deceiver, is "cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever." This extends the eternal punishment to Satan himself, underscoring the unending nature of this judgment.
6. **Revelation 21:8**: Listing those who will not inherit the New Jerusalem, it states their "part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." This provides a comprehensive summary of the ultimate destiny for the unredeemed, defining the "second death" as an eternal separation characterized by this fiery judgment.
Across all these contexts, *theîon* is inextricably linked with fire, signifying an intense, consuming, and eternal judgment originating from God.
### Related Words & Concepts
1. **`{{G4442}}` (pyr):** "Fire." This is the most consistently paired word with *theîon*. The combination "fire and brimstone" forms a single, powerful image of destructive judgment, drawn from Old Testament narratives. Fire itself is a multifaceted symbol in Scripture, but in this pairing, it unequivocally denotes divine wrath and purification through destruction.
2. **`{{H1614}}` (gophrith):** The Hebrew equivalent for "brimstone" or "sulphur," found in the Old Testament. Its most notable appearance is in [[Genesis 19:24]], where the Lord "rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah." Other significant Old Testament uses include [[Deuteronomy 29:23]], [[Psalm 11:6]], and [[Isaiah 34:9]], all reinforcing its association with divine curse, desolation, and judgment. This Hebrew parallel underscores the consistent theological understanding of "brimstone" across both testaments.
3. **The Lake of Fire:** This eschatological location, frequently mentioned in Revelation, is consistently described as burning with "fire and brimstone." It represents the ultimate and eternal destination of the wicked, the beast, the false prophet, and Satan, symbolizing final, irrevocable judgment.
4. **Divine Wrath and Judgment:** The concept of God's righteous anger against sin is central to the meaning of *theîon*. It is not merely a natural phenomenon but a direct instrument or manifestation of God's holy indignation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *theîon* is profound and predominantly negative, serving as a stark symbol of God's righteous judgment and the consequences of unrepentant sin.
1. **Divine Retribution:** *Theîon* fundamentally represents God's just retribution against wickedness. The historical precedent of Sodom and Gomorrah establishes a pattern of divine intervention where gross sin is met with overwhelming and destructive judgment.
2. **Eschatological Punishment:** In the New Testament, particularly Revelation, *theîon* becomes a key descriptor of eternal punishment. The "lake of fire and brimstone" is portrayed as a place of conscious, unending torment, emphasizing the severity and finality of God's judgment for those who reject Him. This imagery underscores the reality of eternal separation from God.
3. **Holiness and Justice of God:** The imagery of fire and brimstone highlights God's absolute holiness, which cannot tolerate sin, and His perfect justice, which demands an accounting for rebellion. It serves as a terrifying demonstration of His power and unwavering commitment to righteousness.
4. **Warning and Urgency:** The consistent portrayal of *theîon* as an instrument of ultimate judgment serves as a powerful warning to humanity. It underscores the urgency of repentance and faith in Christ as the only escape from this dreadful fate, contrasting sharply with the divine grace offered through the Gospel.
### Summary
*Theîon* (`{{G2303}}`), or brimstone, is a Greek term that, in biblical usage, is inextricably linked with fire and divine judgment. Though its etymology may suggest a connection to the "divine," its theological meaning is consistently associated with God's righteous wrath and the destructive consequences of sin. Primarily found in Luke's account of Sodom and Gomorrah and extensively in the book of Revelation, *theîon* symbolizes the intensity, finality, and eternal nature of God's eschatological judgment. It is a key component in describing the "lake of fire," the ultimate destiny for the unredeemed, the beast, the false prophet, and Satan. Thus, *theîon* serves as a potent and sobering reminder of God's holiness, His unwavering justice, and the eternal consequences of rejecting His salvific grace.
TRV