### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun `{{G2586}}` (kapnós) fundamentally denotes "smoke." Its etymological origins are noted as uncertain. The primary semantic range is literal, referring to the visible gaseous byproduct of combustion. However, within biblical contexts, its meaning extends metaphorically and symbolically to encompass:
* The physical manifestation or consequence of fire, particularly divine judgment.
* A sign of divine presence or theophany, often associated with overwhelming power and holiness.
* A symbol of obscuration, darkness, and the release of destructive forces.
* An enduring sign of desolation, ruin, and unending torment.
* In a unique instance, the ascending essence of acceptable worship and intercession.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{G2586}}` appears 13 times in the New Testament, with a notable concentration in the Book of Revelation, shaping its theological significance.
* **Acts 2:19**: "And I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood, and fire, and smoke." Here, `{{G2586}}` is part of a quotation from Joel 2:30, describing the signs preceding the great and glorious Day of the Lord. It signifies a portent of divine intervention and impending judgment, a visible manifestation of God's activity in the world.
* **Revelation 8:4**: "And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the hand of the angel." This is a singular, positive instance where `{{G2586}}` symbolizes the ascending prayers of God's people, made acceptable through the intercession of Christ (implied by the incense). It represents worship and communion with God.
* **Revelation 9:2**: "It opened the shaft of the bottomless pit, and from the shaft rose smoke like the smoke of a great furnace, and the sun and the air were darkened by the smoke of the shaft."
* **Revelation 9:3**: "Then from the smoke came locusts on the earth, and to them was given power like the power of scorpions of the earth."
* **Revelation 9:17**: "And this is how I saw the horses in my vision: those who rode them had breastplates the color of fire and of sapphire and of sulfur, and the heads of the horses were like lions' heads, and from their mouths came fire and smoke and sulfur."
* **Revelation 9:18**: "By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed, by the fire and smoke and sulfur coming out of their mouths."
In Revelation 9, `{{G2586}}` is consistently associated with divine judgment and demonic activity. The smoke from the bottomless pit signifies the release of evil forces, bringing darkness and torment, obscuring light and life. The smoke emanating from the horses' mouths in the sixth trumpet judgment is a direct instrument of divine wrath, causing widespread death. Here, smoke is not merely a byproduct but an active agent of destruction.
* **Revelation 14:11**: "And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name."
* **Revelation 18:9**: "And the kings of the earth, who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her, will weep and mourn over her when they see the smoke of her burning."
* **Revelation 18:18**: "and cried out as they saw the smoke of her burning, 'What city was like this great city?'"
* **Revelation 19:3**: "Once more they cried out, 'Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever.'"
These passages in Revelation emphasize the eschatological significance of `{{G2586}}`. The "smoke of torment" and the "smoke of her burning" (referring to Babylon) are enduring, visible signs of God's eternal judgment. Unlike physical smoke, which dissipates, this symbolic smoke ascends "forever and ever," signifying the irreversible and unending nature of the destruction and the just consequences for rebellion against God. It is a testament to the finality of divine wrath.
* **Revelation 15:8**: "The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and no one could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were finished." This occurrence echoes Old Testament theophanies (e.g., [[Exodus 19:18]], [[Isaiah 6:4]]), where smoke and cloud signify God's overwhelming presence, holiness, and impenetrable glory. In this context, the smoke indicates God's awesome power and the inaccessibility of His throne during a period of intense judgment, signifying that His wrath must run its course.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of `{{G2586}}` is deeply interwoven with several related biblical terms and themes:
* **Fire (`{{G4442}}`, *pyr*):** Smoke is almost universally associated with fire, often its visible manifestation or consequence. In the Bible, fire frequently symbolizes divine judgment, purification, and God's holiness.
* **Darkness (`{{G4655}}`, *skotos*):** Smoke, especially when dense, creates darkness, symbolizing spiritual blindness, evil, and the absence of God's light.
* **Wrath/Judgment (`{{G3709}}`, *orgē*; `{{G2917}}`, *krima*):** The pervasive use of `{{G2586}}` in Revelation links it directly to the execution of God's wrath and the finality of His judgments.
* **Glory (`{{G1391}}`, *doxa*):** In contexts of theophany, smoke can be an aspect of God's majestic and awe-inspiring glory, indicating His powerful presence.
* **Incense (`{{G2368}}`, *thymiama*):** The smoke of incense symbolizes prayer and worship ascending to God, often associated with atonement and intercession.
* **Old Testament Parallels:** The Hebrew equivalent `{{H6227}}` ('ashan) frequently appears in the Old Testament in contexts of divine presence (e.g., Mount Sinai in [[Exodus 19:18]]), divine judgment (e.g., [[Psalm 18:8]]), and the burning of sacrifices or incense. Another related term is `{{H7008}}` (qatar), meaning "to burn incense" or "to offer sacrifices."
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G2586}}` is multifaceted, primarily highlighting aspects of God's character and His interaction with humanity:
1. **Divine Judgment and Wrath:** The most prominent theological theme associated with `{{G2586}}` in the New Testament is its role as a visible sign and instrument of God's consuming judgment. The "smoke of torment" and the "smoke of burning" in Revelation serve as powerful, enduring testaments to the finality, severity, and eternal nature of God's wrath against sin and rebellion. It underscores the irreversible consequences for those who reject God's sovereignty.
2. **Divine Presence and Holiness (Theophany):** Echoing Old Testament imagery, `{{G2586}}` can signify the overwhelming, awe-inspiring, and sometimes terrifying presence of God. The smoke filling the temple in Revelation 15:8 conveys God's impenetrable glory and power, emphasizing His absolute sovereignty, especially in the context of unleashing His judgments.
3. **Eschatological Warning:** The persistent, non-dissipating smoke of judgment in Revelation serves as a stark warning to unrepentant humanity. It vividly portrays the ultimate outcome of defying God, emphasizing that His justice will be fully executed and its effects will be eternal.
4. **Acceptable Worship and Intercession:** The unique instance in Revelation 8:4 provides a contrasting theological dimension. Here, the smoke of incense, representing the prayers of the saints, ascends to God. This illustrates that genuine worship and intercession are pleasing to God and are heard by Him, offering a glimpse of divine receptiveness amidst widespread judgment.
5. **Manifestation of Evil:** The smoke from the abyss in Revelation 9 symbolizes the release of demonic forces, bringing darkness, confusion, and torment. This highlights the destructive and blinding nature of evil unleashed from supernatural realms.
### Summary
The Greek word `{{G2586}}` (kapnós), meaning "smoke," carries profound theological weight in the New Testament, particularly within the apocalyptic visions of Revelation. While it literally refers to the byproduct of fire, its symbolic usage is far richer. Predominantly, `{{G2586}}` functions as a potent visible sign of divine judgment, wrath, and irreversible destruction, with the "smoke of torment" ascending "forever and ever" serving as a chilling testament to the eternal consequences of rebellion against God. It also appears in contexts of divine presence and overwhelming glory (theophany), echoing Old Testament imagery. Uniquely, `{{G2586}}` can also symbolize acceptable worship and intercessory prayer ascending to God. Thus, `{{G2586}}` encapsulates themes of God's consuming holiness, His righteous judgment, the eternal consequences of sin, and the power of prayer.
TRV