### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb καυματίζω (kaumatízō, `{{G2739}}`) is derived from καῦμα (kauma, `{{G2738}}`), which signifies "burning heat," "scorching heat," or "fever." As a verb, καυματίζω therefore carries the core meaning of "to cause to burn," "to scorch," or "to be burned/scorched by intense heat." It implies an active process of being subjected to extreme thermal energy, often resulting in damage, suffering, or destruction. The semantic range is quite focused, emphasizing a severe, often painful, effect of heat, distinct from a gentle warmth or mere heating. It specifically denotes the effect of being *scorched* rather than completely consumed by fire, though the suffering can be intense.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
καυματίζω appears in the New Testament in only a few key passages, all of which powerfully illustrate its meaning:
* **Parable of the Sower (Synoptic Gospels):**
* [[Matthew 13:6]]: "But when the sun came up, they were *scorched* (ἐκαυματίσθησαν), and because they had no root, they withered."
* [[Mark 4:6]]: "And when the sun was risen, it *was scorched* (ἐκαυματίσθη), and because it had no root, it withered away."
In these parallel accounts of the Parable of the Sower, καυματίζω describes the fate of the seeds that fell on rocky ground. They sprouted quickly but, lacking deep roots, were unable to withstand the sun's intense heat. Here, the "sun" is an allegorical representation of tribulation, persecution, or affliction that arises on account of the word. The *scorching* effect vividly portrays how superficial faith, lacking a firm foundation and spiritual depth, cannot endure hardship and consequently withers, leading to spiritual failure.
* **Book of Revelation (Divine Judgment):**
* [[Revelation 16:8]]: "The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was allowed to *scorch* (καυματίσαι) people with fire."
* [[Revelation 16:9]]: "They were *scorched* (ἐκαυματίσθησαν) by the fierce heat, and they cursed the name of God, who had power over these plagues. But they refused to repent and glorify him."
In these verses, καυματίζω is used in the context of divine judgment during the outpouring of the bowls of God's wrath. The sun, typically a source of life and warmth, is supernaturally intensified to become an instrument of torment, *scorching* humanity with devastating fire. This is a literal, agonizing heat that causes immense suffering. Significantly, despite being *scorched* by this fierce heat, the people's response is not repentance but blasphemy against God, highlighting their hardened hearts and the futility of even extreme suffering in leading the unrepentant to salvation.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{G2738}}` (καῦμα - kauma):** The noun from which καυματίζω is derived, meaning "burning heat," "scorching heat," or "fever." This is the direct conceptual and etymological root.
* **`{{G2737}}` (καυσόω - kausoō):** Another verb meaning "to burn with heat," "to inflame," or "to be parched." It is very closely related to καυματίζω and often carries a similar connotation of intense, damaging heat.
* **`{{G4442}}` (πῦρ - pyr):** The general Greek word for "fire," which is the medium through which καυματίζω often operates (e.g., "scorch people with fire" in Revelation).
* **`{{G2618}}` (καίω - kaiō):** A more general verb for "to burn" (transitive or intransitive), often used for kindling, consuming, or destroying by fire. καυματίζω specifies a particular effect of burning: scorching.
* **Concepts:** The word is intimately linked to concepts of divine judgment and wrath, the testing of faith, the nature of tribulation, and the necessity of spiritual endurance and deep roots in one's faith. It also touches upon the theme of human unrepentance in the face of suffering.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of καυματίζω is profound, operating on two distinct but related levels:
1. **Testing and Endurance of Faith:** In the Synoptic Gospels, καυματίζω serves as a powerful metaphor for the trials and persecutions that test the authenticity and depth of a believer's faith. The "scorching" sun represents the inevitable hardships of life that challenge one's commitment to Christ. Those with superficial faith, likened to seeds without deep roots, cannot withstand this "heat" and consequently wither away. This highlights the critical importance of genuine spiritual growth, perseverance, and a deep, abiding connection to God's Word to endure through tribulation. It underscores that true faith is not merely intellectual assent but a rooted, resilient commitment capable of withstanding external pressures.
2. **Divine Judgment and Unrepentance:** In Revelation, καυματίζω vividly portrays the terrifying reality of God's righteous wrath against unrepentant humanity. The sun, a benevolent creation, becomes an instrument of divine punishment, inflicting agonizing *scorching* heat upon the wicked. This judgment is severe and undeniable, yet its most chilling aspect is not merely the suffering it causes, but the complete lack of repentance it elicits. Despite being physically *scorched*, the people choose to blaspheme God rather than turn to Him. This illustrates the utter hardness of the human heart in rebellion against God, demonstrating that even extreme suffering may not lead to repentance if the heart remains set against the Lord. The word thus emphasizes the justice of God and the ultimate consequences of persistent sin and rebellion.
### Summary
καυματίζω (kaumatízō, `{{G2739}}`) is a Greek verb meaning *to scorch* or *to be burned by intense heat*. Its limited but impactful occurrences in the New Testament reveal two primary theological dimensions. In the Parable of the Sower ([[Matthew 13:6]], [[Mark 4:6]]), it metaphorically describes how superficial faith, lacking deep spiritual roots, withers under the "scorching" heat of tribulation and persecution, emphasizing the necessity of endurance and genuine commitment. In the Book of Revelation ([[Revelation 16:8-9]]), καυματίζω depicts a literal, agonizing experience of divine judgment, where humanity is scorched by the intensified heat of the sun. This intense suffering, however, serves to highlight the hardened hearts of the unrepentant, who respond with blasphemy rather than repentance. Thus, καυματίζω consistently conveys the destructive impact of intense heat, whether literal or metaphorical, on that which lacks the necessary foundation or resilience, serving as a powerful descriptor of both spiritual testing and divine wrath.
TRV