from θεῖον and 1491; sulphur-like, i.e. sulphurous:--brimstone.
Transliteration:theiṓdēs
Pronunciation:thi-o'-dace
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
theiṓdēs (`{{G2306}}`) is an adjective derived from the noun theion (`{{G2303}}`), meaning "sulfur" or "brimstone," and the suffix -odes, which signifies resemblance or likeness. Thus, its core meaning is "sulfur-like," "pertaining to sulfur," or "sulphurous." In the biblical context, theiṓdēs exclusively refers to the physical substance of sulfur, often in conjunction with fire, as an instrument or symbol of divine judgment and destruction. It does not carry the "divine" connotation sometimes associated with its root theion (`{{G2303}}`) in this compound form.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
theiṓdēs (`{{G2306}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the book of Revelation.
In [[Revelation 9:18]], it describes the destructive plagues unleashed by the demonic horsemen: "By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed, by the fire and smoke and brimstone (τοῦ πυρὸς καὶ τοῦ καπνοῦ καὶ τοῦ θειώδους) that came from their mouths." Here, τοῦ θειώδους is the genitive singular of theiṓdēs, used substantively to refer to "the sulphurous [substance]" or "brimstone." The context is unequivocally one of catastrophic divine judgment and widespread death, indicating the severe and destructive power associated with this substance. This passage establishes theiṓdēs (`{{G2306}}`) as a literal component of apocalyptic devastation, acting as an agent of divine permission in the unfolding of God's wrath.
### Related Words & Concepts
* theion (`{{G2303}}`): The root noun, meaning "sulfur" or "brimstone." This word is more frequently used in Revelation to describe the "lake of fire and brimstone" ([[Revelation 14:10]], [[Revelation 20:10]], [[Revelation 21:8]]), which is the ultimate destination for the unrighteous and the forces of evil. The semantic range of theion (`{{G2303}}`) and theiṓdēs (`{{G2306}}`) is closely intertwined, both referring to the same destructive substance.
* pyr (`{{G4442}}`): "Fire." theiṓdēs (`{{G2306}}`) and theion (`{{G2303}}`) are almost invariably associated with pyr (`{{G4442}}`) in biblical texts, forming the powerful and iconic phrase "fire and brimstone." This pairing is a classic motif of divine punishment and purification.
* Old Testament Parallels: The concept of "fire and brimstone" as a manifestation of divine judgment is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, most notably in the account of God's destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah ([[Genesis 19:24]] - "Then the Lord rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire from the Lord out of heaven"). This ancient imagery is directly carried over into the New Testament's apocalyptic visions, where theiṓdēs (`{{G2306}}`) and theion (`{{G2303}}`) serve as instruments and symbols of God's righteous wrath.
* kolasis (`{{G2851}}`): "Punishment" or "torment." The use of theiṓdēs (`{{G2306}}`) and its related terms is directly linked to the execution of divine judgment and the torment of the wicked.
### Theological Significance
The term theiṓdēs (`{{G2306}}`), along with its root theion (`{{G2303}}`), carries profound theological weight, primarily serving as a potent symbol and instrument of God's righteous wrath and ultimate judgment. In [[Revelation 9:18]], it describes a literal, destructive force unleashed during the apocalyptic judgments, highlighting God's sovereign control even over the most terrifying and destructive elements.
The consistent association of theiṓdēs (`{{G2306}}`) with "fire" (`{{G4442}}`) reinforces its role as a means of purification, complete destruction, and eternal torment for the unrighteous. This imagery harks back to the Old Testament narrative of Sodom and Gomorrah, establishing a continuity of divine justice throughout salvation history. The "lake of fire and brimstone" is presented as the ultimate, eternal destination for the unrepentant, the Beast, the False Prophet, and Satan himself ([[Revelation 20:10]], [[Revelation 21:8]]). While theiṓdēs (`{{G2306}}`) itself appears only once, its semantic field, particularly theion (`{{G2303}}`), is central to the description of final, eternal judgment. Thus, it underscores the severity, finality, and just nature of God's judgment against sin and rebellion, serving as both a stark warning and a testament to His holiness and justice.
### Summary
theiṓdēs (`{{G2306}}`) is a Greek adjective meaning "sulfur-like" or "sulphurous," derived from theion (`{{G2303}}`) and the suffix -odes. Its singular New Testament occurrence in [[Revelation 9:18]] describes one of the destructive elements (fire, smoke, and brimstone) emanating from the mouths of demonic horsemen, leading to the death of a third of mankind. This usage firmly places theiṓdēs (`{{G2306}}`) within the biblical motif of divine judgment. Closely linked with "fire" (`{{G4442}}`), it evokes Old Testament imagery, particularly the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah ([[Genesis 19:24]]), symbolizing God's righteous wrath and the finality of His judgment against sin. While it appears only once, its semantic connection to theion (`{{G2303}}`) makes it an integral part of the apocalyptic language describing eternal punishment and the ultimate triumph of divine justice.
TRV