The Greek word kaûma, represented by G2738, is defined as heat. Derived from καίω, its base definition is "properly, a burn (concretely), but used (abstractly) of a glow." This term is rare, appearing only 2 times in 2 unique verses in the Bible, with both occurrences found in the book of Revelation.
The two uses of G2738 present a stark contrast between divine judgment and divine protection. In Revelation 16:9, it is an instrument of God's wrath, where men "were scorched with great heat" as part of a plague, which caused them to blaspheme God. Conversely, in Revelation 7:16, its absence is a promise of eternal comfort for the redeemed, stating they will no longer have the sun light on them, "nor any heat." One verse depicts it as a torment for the unrepentant, while the other depicts its removal as a blessing for the faithful.
Several related words help contextualize the meaning of G2738 as a form of affliction:
- G2739 kaumatízō (to burn:--scorch): This is the verb form directly associated with G2738. Its use is explicit in Revelation 16:9, where men were scorched G2739 by the great heat G2738.
- G3983 peináō (to famish (absolutely or comparatively); figuratively, to crave:--be an hungered): In Revelation 7:16, deliverance from heat is promised alongside the assurance that the redeemed "shall hunger no more."
- G1372 dipsáō (to thirst for (literally or figuratively):--(be, be a-)thirst(-y)): This word is also used in parallel with G2738 in Revelation 7:16, where those in God's presence will "neither thirst any more," linking the relief from heat to the relief from other fundamental physical sufferings.
The theological weight of G2738 is concentrated in its eschatological application within Revelation.
- A Tool of Divine Judgment: The "great heat" in Revelation 16:9 is not a natural disaster but a targeted plague demonstrating God's power over creation and His judgment upon those who "repented not to give him glory."
- A Symbol of Earthly Affliction: In the promise to the saints, heat G2738 is listed with hunger and thirst as a form of suffering characteristic of mortal life. Its removal signifies a complete transition to a state of perfect, heavenly comfort and safety Revelation 7:16.
- A Marker of Final Destinies: The presence or absence of heat serves as a clear dividing line. For the wicked, it is an element of their final punishment, while for the righteous, its absence is a feature of their eternal reward.
In summary, G2738 is a narrowly used but powerful term. Its meaning is almost entirely shaped by its two appearances in Revelation. As heat, it functions on two opposite ends of the theological spectrum: it is both a severe instrument of divine judgment poured out upon a rebellious world and a symbol of the earthly hardship from which God will ultimately deliver His faithful people.
TRV