### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun καῦσις (kaûsis, `{{G2740}}`) derives directly from the verb καίω (kaíō, `{{G2545}}`), which means "to burn," "to kindle," or "to consume by fire." Consequently, καῦσις fundamentally denotes the *act* or *process* of burning, combustion, or being consumed by fire. Its core meaning centers on the physical process of fire's destructive or transformative work. It describes the state of something undergoing intense heat, leading to its destruction, disintegration, or complete alteration. The semantic range is tightly focused on this physical action, often implying a thorough and irreversible consumption.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term καῦσις (kaûsis, `{{G2740}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, but its singular occurrence is highly significant, providing a powerful contextual understanding of its meaning:
* **[[Revelation 18:9]]**: "And the kings of the earth, who committed fornication and lived luxuriously with her, will weep and lament over her when they see the smoke of her burning (τὸν καπνὸν τῆς καύσεως αὐτῆς)."
In this passage, καῦσις describes the fiery judgment and complete destruction of "Babylon the Great," a symbolic entity representing a system of global evil, idolatry, and opposition to God. The "smoke of her burning" emphasizes the ongoing process and the visible aftermath of this divine judgment. The word here highlights not merely the state of being burned, but the active, consuming process of fiery demise. The context underscores the finality and totality of this destruction, indicating an irreversible act of divine wrath.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding καῦσις (kaûsis, `{{G2740}}`) is enhanced by examining its relationship to other key biblical terms:
* **καίω (kaíō, `{{G2545}}`):** The root verb, meaning "to burn," "to set on fire," or "to consume." This is the foundational term from which καῦσις is derived, emphasizing the active nature of the burning.
* **πῦρ (pyr, `{{G4442}}`):** "Fire." This is the primary agent of καῦσις. Fire is a pervasive biblical motif, symbolizing divine presence, purification, testing, and especially judgment.
* **φλόξ (phlox, `{{G5395}}`):** "Flame" or "blaze." Often used to describe the intensity and visual aspect of fire, complementing the destructive act of καῦσις.
* **ὀλοθρεύω (olothreúō, `{{G3645}}`):** "To destroy," "to annihilate." The ultimate outcome of καῦσις in a judgmental context is often complete destruction.
* **κρίσις (krisis, `{{G2920}}`):** "Judgment." Burning, as described by καῦσις, is frequently depicted as a means or symbol of divine judgment throughout Scripture.
* **Old Testament Parallels:** The concept of destruction by fire is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where fire often signifies God's wrath against sin (e.g., Sodom and Gomorrah in [[Genesis 19:24]], the consuming fire of God's presence in [[Deuteronomy 4:24]]). Hebrew terms like `{{H784}}` (*esh*, "fire") and `{{H8313}}` (*serephah*, "burning") convey similar themes of fiery consumption and judgment.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of καῦσις (kaûsis, `{{G2740}}`) in [[Revelation 18:9]] carries profound theological weight:
* **Divine Judgment and Destruction:** The primary theological significance of καῦσις is its direct association with the decisive and complete judgment of God. The "burning" of Babylon symbolizes God's ultimate and irreversible destruction of all systems and powers that oppose His reign and corrupt humanity. This is not a partial or temporary judgment, but a final, consuming act.
* **Irreversibility and Finality:** The act of burning implies an irreversible destruction. What is consumed by fire cannot be restored to its original form. This underscores the finality of God's judgment against evil, highlighting that once His judgment falls, there is no reversal or escape.
* **Revelation of God's Holiness and Justice:** The "burning" serves as a powerful metaphor for God's absolute holiness, which cannot tolerate sin, and His perfect justice, which demands its punishment. The smoke of her burning is a visible testimony to God's righteous wrath and His commitment to eradicating all evil from His creation.
* **Warning and Consolation:** For those who align themselves with the world's corrupt systems, καῦσις serves as a stark warning of impending and unavoidable judgment. Conversely, for the faithful, it offers immense consolation, assuring them that God will ultimately triumph over all evil, vindicate His people, and establish His righteous kingdom.
### Summary
καῦσις (kaûsis, `{{G2740}}`) denotes the act or process of burning, stemming from the verb καίω (kaíō, `{{G2545}}`). Its sole New Testament appearance in [[Revelation 18:9]] is highly impactful, describing the fiery destruction of Babylon the Great. This term powerfully conveys the irreversible nature of divine judgment, emphasizing the complete consumption and annihilation of that which is subjected to God's holy wrath. Theologically, καῦσις signifies God's decisive justice against evil, His absolute holiness, and the finality of His judgment, serving as both a solemn warning to the wicked and a profound comfort to the faithful.
TRV