### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **katakaíō**, represented by `{{G2618}}`, means to **burn down (to the ground)** or **consume wholly**. It appears **12 times** across **11 unique verses** in the Bible. This term signifies a thorough and complete destruction by fire, often used in contexts of judgment, purification, or finality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G2618}}` is frequently used to illustrate divine judgment. In the parables of the harvest, it describes the fate of what is worthless, such as the tares which are gathered and **burned** in the fire [[Matthew 13:40]] and the chaff which is **burned up** with unquenchable fire [[Matthew 3:12]]. The word also carries eschatological weight, describing the apocalyptic judgment where the third part of trees and all green grass are **burnt up** [[Revelation 8:7]], the great whore is **burned** with fire [[Revelation 17:16]], and the earth itself and its works are ultimately **burned up** [[2 Peter 3:10]]. In a different context, it depicts a definitive act of repentance, as when new believers in Ephesus **burned** their magic books [[Acts 19:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help frame the context of total consumption and judgment associated with `{{G2618}}`:
* `{{G4442}}` **pŷr** (fire): This word is almost always present alongside `{{G2618}}`, as **fire** is the agent of the complete burning. It is specified as "unquenchable fire" in the judgment of the chaff [[Luke 3:17]].
* `{{G4816}}` **syllégō** (to collect): This verb is used for the action preceding the burning in parables, where the tares are first **gathered** together before being consumed [[Matthew 13:30]].
* `{{G1245}}` **diakatharízō** (to cleanse perfectly, i.e. (specially) winnow): This describes the process of separation, such as purging a floor to separate wheat from the chaff that will be **burned up** [[Matthew 3:12]].
* `{{G2210}}` **zēmióō** (to experience detriment): This word is used in direct consequence to `{{G2618}}`, where if a man's work is **burned**, he will **suffer loss** [[1 Corinthians 3:15]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G2618}}` is centered on concepts of judgment, purification, and finality.
* **Divine Judgment:** The word is a powerful descriptor of God's final judgment against evil and worthlessness. This is seen in the destruction of the symbolic city of Babylon, which will be **utterly burned** because the Lord God who **judgeth** her is strong [[Revelation 18:8]].
* **Eschatological Purification:** Its use in [[2 Peter 3:10]] illustrates a cosmic renewal where the present heavens and earth are consumed by fire, paving the way for a new creation.
* **The Testing of Works:** The concept is uniquely applied to the believer's life in [[1 Corinthians 3:15]]. Here, the fire does not destroy the person but tests the quality of their works. If the works are **burned**, the individual suffers loss but is still saved.
* **Atonement and Separation:** In the context of the Law, `{{G2618}}` is used for the bodies of sacrificial animals for sin, which are **burned** outside the camp, symbolizing the removal of sin [[Hebrews 13:11]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2618}}` denotes far more than a simple fire. It is a term of absolute finality, signifying an irreversible consumption. Whether describing the eschatological judgment of the world, the purification of God's floor, the testing of a believer's works, or the complete rejection of a sinful past, **katakaíō** communicates a decisive and total destruction.
TRV