### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb καυσόω (kausóō), `{{G2741}}`, is derived from the noun καῦσις (kausis), `{{G2740}}`, which signifies "a burning" or "combustion." As a verb, καυσόω therefore means "to set on fire," "to burn with intense heat," or "to be inflamed." It conveys a powerful and consuming heat, far beyond mere warmth, often implying a process of dissolution, melting, or destruction due to extreme temperature. The term suggests an overwhelming and transformative thermal force.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term καυσόω (kausóō) appears twice in the New Testament, exclusively within the eschatological discourse of 2 Peter chapter 3. In both instances, it describes the nature of the final cosmic judgment:
* **[[2 Peter 3:10]]**: "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with intense heat (καυσόω), and the earth and its works will be burned up."
* **[[2 Peter 3:12]]**: "looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat (καυσόω)!"
In these passages, καυσόω is used to depict the radical and ultimate dissolution of the existing cosmos. The "elements" (στοιχεῖα, *stoicheia*), which can refer to the basic components of the physical world or even the foundational principles governing it, are depicted as being so utterly subjected to this intense heat that they "dissolve" (λύω, *lyō*, `{{G3089}}`) and "melt" (τήκω, *tēkō*, `{{G5080}}`). This is not merely a surface burning but a fundamental alteration and breakdown of matter itself, signifying the complete end of the current order. The parallelism with "fire" (πῦρ, *pyr*, `{{G4442}}`) and "burning" (πυρόω, *pyroo*, `{{G4448}}`) in the immediate context reinforces the destructive and purifying nature of this divine judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **καῦσις (kausis)** `{{G2740}}`: The root noun, meaning "a burning."
* **πῦρ (pyr)** `{{G4442}}`: "Fire," the primary agent of the intense heat described.
* **πυρόω (pyroo)** `{{G4448}}`: "To set on fire, to burn, to be inflamed." Often used in parallel or synonymously with καυσόω in eschatological contexts, emphasizing the fiery nature of judgment.
* **τήκω (tēkō)** `{{G5080}}`: "To melt, to dissolve." This verb is directly linked with καυσόω in [[2 Peter 3:12]], illustrating the effect of the intense heat on the elements.
* **λύω (lyō)** `{{G3089}}`: "To loose, to dissolve, to destroy." Used in [[2 Peter 3:10]] to describe the dissolution of the elements by the intense heat.
* **ἔσχατος (eschatos)** `{{G2078}}`: "Last, ultimate." This term undergirds the entire context of 2 Peter 3, highlighting the finality and ultimate nature of the events described.
* **κρίσις (krisis)** `{{G2920}}` / **κρίμα (krima)** `{{G2917}}`: "Judgment" or "condemnation." The intense heat of καυσόω is the instrument through which divine judgment is executed.
### Theological Significance
The use of καυσόω (kausóō) in 2 Peter 3 carries profound theological weight:
* **Divine Judgment and Purification:** The "intense heat" is a powerful metaphor for God's ultimate and unsparing judgment upon the sin-laden world. This judgment by fire is not arbitrary but serves a divine purpose: to purify and prepare for the new creation. It speaks to the absolute holiness of God, who cannot tolerate unrighteousness.
* **Transience of the Created Order:** The vivid imagery of the "elements dissolving with fervent heat" underscores the impermanence and fragility of the present physical cosmos. This stands in stark contrast to the eternal and unshakeable nature of God's kingdom and His promises. It is a reminder that the material world, despite its apparent solidity, is entirely subject to divine will and can be fundamentally transformed.
* **Sovereignty of God:** The sheer power attributed to this "intense heat" demonstrates God's absolute sovereignty over creation. He is not merely a creator but also the one who determines its ultimate end and renewal. This divine control ensures that His purposes for salvation and righteousness will ultimately prevail.
* **Impetus for Holy Living:** The terrifying and comprehensive nature of the judgment described by καυσόω serves as a compelling call to repentance and holy living for believers. Knowing that such an ultimate purification awaits the world should motivate believers to live lives of godliness, righteousness, and anticipation of the Lord's return, as they await "new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells" ([[2 Peter 3:13]]).
### Summary
The Greek verb καυσόω (kausóō), `{{G2741}}`, signifies an intense, consuming heat that leads to dissolution or melting. Its sole New Testament occurrences in [[2 Peter 3:10]] and [[2 Peter 3:12]] vividly portray the eschatological judgment, where the heavens and earth's fundamental "elements" are dissolved by this "fervent heat." This imagery emphasizes the absolute nature of God's final judgment, the transient character of the current cosmos, and the purifying work that precedes the establishment of the new heavens and new earth. The profound theological implication is a call to holy living and readiness, grounded in the understanding of divine sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of God's righteous purposes.
TRV