### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **kaûsis**, represented by `{{G2740}}`, is a term for **burning**. It appears just **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. Its definition from its root word specifies the act of **burning**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical use of `{{G2740}}` occurs in a warning about unproductiveness. The context describes land that, instead of producing useful herbs, "beareth thorns and briers." This land is consequently deemed **rejected** `{{G96}}` and is close to being cursed. The ultimate fate, or **end** `{{G5056}}`, for such worthless ground is "to be burned" [[Hebrews 6:8]]. Here, burning is presented as the final, destructive outcome for that which is unfruitful.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context clarify the meaning of `{{G2740}}`:
* `{{G96}}` **adókimos** (rejected): This term means "unapproved, i.e. rejected; by implication, worthless." It describes the state of the land destined for burning [[Hebrews 6:8]] and is also used for a "reprobate mind" [[Romans 1:28]].
* `{{G2671}}` **katára** (cursing): Meaning "imprecation, execration," this word describes the state that precedes the burning. The land is "nigh unto **cursing**" before its end [[Hebrews 6:8]]. It is also used to describe the "curse of the law" from which Christ redeemed believers [[Galatians 3:13]].
* `{{G5056}}` **télos** (end): This word refers to "the conclusion of an act or state." In its only context, burning is the **end** of the rejected land [[Hebrews 6:8]]. It is also used to refer to the **end** of the age [[Matthew 24:14]].
* `{{G173}}` **ákantha** (thorn): This word, meaning "a thorn," identifies the worthless fruit produced by the land that is to be burned [[Hebrews 6:8]]. Thorns are elsewhere contrasted with good fruit like grapes, highlighting their unproductiveness [[Matthew 7:16]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2740}}` is tied to its singular, powerful context.
* **Finality of Judgment:** The word is used to describe the ultimate **end** `{{G5056}}` for what is unproductive. This act of burning signifies a concluding judgment for that which is deemed **rejected** `{{G96}}` and worthless [[Hebrews 6:8]].
* **Consequence of Unfruitfulness:** The burning is directly linked to land that "beareth" **thorns** `{{G173}}` and **briers** `{{G5146}}`. This illustrates that the judgment of being burned is a consequence of producing what is harmful or useless [[Hebrews 6:8]].
* **Execution of a Curse:** The state immediately preceding the burning is being "nigh unto **cursing**" `{{G2671}}`. This positions `{{G2740}}` as the definitive fulfillment of a curse, the final negative outcome for that which is disapproved [[Hebrews 6:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2740}}` is a specific and potent term for the act of **burning**. Its sole appearance in scripture presents it as an act of final judgment. It is the ultimate end for that which is **rejected** `{{G96}}`, produces worthless things like **thorns** `{{G173}}`, and is associated with a **cursing** `{{G2671}}`. Therefore, **kaûsis** signifies a definitive and destructive conclusion.
TRV