Word Study for G381 (ἀνάπτω)

anáptō /an-ap'-to/ Ask about this word

Rootfrom ἀνά and ἅπτω

Meaningto enkindle

KJV usagekindle, light.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of anáptō — the range of meaning it carries, how Scripture actually uses it, and where it points. Written for readers who don’t know the original language.

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word anáptō, represented by G381, means to enkindle or light. It appears 4 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. Derived from ἀνά and ἅπτω, this term specifically describes the action of causing something to catch fire.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its biblical usage, G381 is applied in both literal and figurative contexts. Literally, it describes the "barbarous people" on Malta who kindled a fire to provide warmth and comfort for Paul and his companions after their shipwreck Acts 28:2. Figuratively, it is used to illustrate the immense destructive potential of the tongue, which, like a small spark, kindleth a great fire James 3:5. In a theological sense, Jesus uses the term to describe his mission, stating he has come to send fire on the earth and expressing a desire for it to be already kindled Luke 12:49.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the context in which G381 is used:

G4442 pŷr ("fire"): This is the object that is kindled by the action of anáptō. It is used figuratively for the destructive power of the tongue James 3:5 and the divine judgment brought by Christ Luke 12:49.
G4443 pyrá (a fire): This term, derived from G4442, refers to a concrete, physical fire, such as the one the people of Malta kindled for Paul Acts 28:2.
G2064 érchomai (to come or go): This word sets the stage for the action in Luke 12:49, where Jesus declares "I am come to send fire," establishing the purpose of his arrival.
G906 bállō (to throw): Used alongside G2064 in Luke 12:49, this word describes the forceful nature of Jesus's mission, where He comes to send (or "throw") fire upon the earth.

Theological Significance

The theological significance of G381 is centered on the power of initiation, whether for good or for ill.

The Power of Words: In James, the act of kindling illustrates a profound spiritual truth: a small, seemingly insignificant thing like the tongue can initiate immense and uncontrollable destruction James 3:5.
Divine Intervention: Jesus's use of the word points to His work on earth as an initiating event that brings division and judgment, a fire He wishes were already kindled Luke 12:49.
Act of Compassion: The literal use of kindled in Acts provides a stark contrast, showing how starting a fire can be an act of life-saving kindness and hospitality in a moment of need Acts 28:2.

Summary

In summary, G381 is a focused verb that, despite its infrequent use, carries significant weight. It demonstrates how a single action—to enkindle—can represent concepts as varied as human compassion, the destructive power of sin, and the world-altering purpose of Christ's coming. The word captures the principle that great outcomes, whether for comfort or for judgment, begin with a single spark.

How the KJV Renders It

Translation

Strong’s lists the renderings but not their weight. These are counted from the King James text of the tagged verses — the bar under each is how often the translators actually reached for it. Select one to filter the occurrences below.

Grammatical Forms

Morphology

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 3 occurrences, inflected in 3 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

Aorist Active Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×
Aorist Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
Present Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×

Nominative: The subject of the verb.
Singular: One.
Plural: More than one.
Masculine: Masculine grammatical gender.
3rd: Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present: Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Aorist: Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Active: The subject performs the action.
Passive: The subject is acted upon.
Indicative: A plain statement of fact.
Participle: A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Context

The people, places, and span of history the verses containing this word touch on — drawn from the theographic tagging of Scripture. Select any name to isolate its verses in the occurrence list.

Biblical Distribution

Distribution

Appears in 3 verses across 3 of the 27 books. Most frequent in Luke, Acts, and James (1 verse each); never once in the other 24.

Luke

Acts

James

Every Occurrence

Concordance

Every verse where the word is tagged in the King James text. Filter by book, by the English word the translators chose, or search within the verses.

Sources. Definition and numbering: James Strong, Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible (1890). Morphology: STEPBible / Tyndale House (CC BY). Verse tagging: the King James text keyed to Strong’s numbers. Every count on this page is computed from the tagged corpus, not estimated.