### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἀναλίσκω (analískō, `{{G355}}`) is a compound word derived from the preposition ἀνά (aná), meaning "up" or "completely," and a form related to αἱρέομαι (haireomai), which means "to take" or "to seize." The etymological combination thus suggests a complete taking up, using up, or seizing completely, leading to the core meaning of "to consume," "to destroy," or "to use up entirely." Its semantic range encompasses both literal and metaphorical destruction, implying a process that brings something to an end by absorption, exhaustion, or violent eradication. It signifies a thorough and decisive act of bringing to naught.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
ἀναλίσκω appears three times in the New Testament, each instance offering significant contextual insight:
1. **[[Luke 9:54]]**: "And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, 'Lord, do you want us to tell fire to come down from heaven and consume them, just as Elijah did?'" Here, the word describes a swift, decisive act of divine judgment. James and John, witnessing the Samaritans' rejection of Jesus, desire a consuming fire to eradicate the unrepentant. This use highlights the destructive power associated with divine wrath, though Jesus rebukes their unrighteous zeal, emphasizing His mission of salvation rather than immediate destruction. The context underscores the disciples' misunderstanding of the nature of Christ's kingdom and the Spirit's work.
2. **[[Galatians 5:15]]**: "But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another." In this passage, ἀναλίσκω is used metaphorically to describe the self-destructive consequences of internal strife and division within the Christian community. Paul warns against the destructive nature of factionalism, legalism, and fleshly living, which can lead to the spiritual and relational "consumption" of the body of believers. The imagery of "biting and devouring" leading to mutual consumption vividly portrays the ruinous effects of disunity, contrasting sharply with the fruit of the Spirit.
3. **[[2 Thessalonians 2:8]]**: "And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will consume with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming." This occurrence is eschatological, describing the ultimate defeat of the "man of lawlessness" (the Antichrist) by the Lord Jesus at His second coming. The "breath of his mouth" signifies the effortless, powerful, and complete destruction wrought by divine authority. Here, ἀναλίσκω emphasizes the absolute and final eradication of evil, demonstrating Christ's sovereign power over all opposing forces.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several Greek words share semantic overlap with ἀναλίσκω in the New Testament, often conveying various aspects of destruction or ending:
* ἀπόλλυμι (apollymi, `{{G622}}`): To destroy, perish, lose. This is a very common word for destruction, often implying ruin or loss of existence. While ἀναλίσκω emphasizes the act of consuming, ἀπόλλυμι focuses on the outcome of perishing.
* καταργέω (katargeō, `{{G2673}}`): To abolish, make ineffective, bring to nothing. This word often implies rendering something powerless or obsolete rather than violent destruction.
* φθείρω (phtheirō, `{{G5351}}`): To corrupt, spoil, destroy. This term often suggests a process of decay or moral corruption leading to ruin.
* ἐξολεθρεύω (exolethreúō, `{{G1842}}`): To utterly destroy, cut off. This word carries a strong sense of eradication, often used in contexts of divine judgment or punishment.
The concept of ἀναλίσκω is intrinsically linked to themes of divine judgment, the consequences of sin, the destructive nature of human conflict, and the ultimate triumph of God's justice over evil. It stands in contrast to concepts of preservation, building up, life, and reconciliation.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ἀναλίσκω is profound, appearing in contexts that highlight both God's righteous judgment and the destructive power of sin.
In [[Luke 9:54]], the desire for consuming fire underscores the Old Testament precedent of divine judgment (e.g., Sodom and Gomorrah, Elijah and the prophets of Baal). However, Jesus' rebuke reveals a crucial theological truth: while God is a "consuming fire" (Hebrews 12:29), His primary mission in Christ is salvation, not immediate judgment. It teaches about the patient and merciful character of God, even in the face of rejection.
[[Galatians 5:15]] presents ἀναλίσκω as a warning against the internal self-destruction of the Christian community. It teaches that sin, particularly disunity, strife, and living by the flesh, can "consume" the church from within, negating its witness and effectiveness. This emphasizes the vital importance of love, humility, and walking in the Spirit as essential for the church's health and survival. It underscores that the greatest threats to the community can often be internal.
Finally, in [[2 Thessalonians 2:8]], ἀναλίσκω speaks to the ultimate eschatological victory of Christ over all evil. The consumption of the "man of lawlessness" by the "breath of his mouth" is a powerful image of divine sovereignty and the effortless triumph of righteousness. This passage provides assurance to believers that despite the temporary power of evil, God's justice will prevail, and all opposition to His kingdom will be utterly and finally destroyed. This offers hope and comfort in the face of tribulation and the manifestation of evil.
### Summary
The Greek verb ἀναλίσκω (analískō, `{{G355}}`) fundamentally means "to consume," "to destroy," or "to use up entirely." Its three New Testament occurrences reveal significant theological insights: in [[Luke 9:54]], it illustrates the disciples' misunderstanding of divine judgment in contrast to Jesus' mission of salvation; in [[Galatians 5:15]], it serves as a stark warning against the self-destructive nature of internal strife within the church; and in [[2 Thessalonians 2:8]], it powerfully depicts Christ's ultimate and effortless victory over the forces of evil at His glorious return. Across these contexts, ἀναλίσκω consistently underscores the seriousness of sin, the destructive consequences of human rebellion, and the absolute power of God's righteous judgment and ultimate triumph.
TRV