### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **pýrinos**, represented by `{{G4447}}`, is an adjective meaning **fiery** or **of fire**. It appears just **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, making its sole appearance highly specific and impactful. It describes something as being flaming or having the quality of fire.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its only biblical usage, `{{G4447}}` is found within a dramatic apocalyptic **vision** `{{G3706}}` in the book of Revelation. John **saw** `{{G1492}}` horsemen whose **breastplates** `{{G2382}}` were described as being **of fire** `{{G4447}}`, of jacinth, and of brimstone. This imagery is part of a larger, fearsome scene where the horses have heads like **lions** `{{G3023}}` and from their mouths issue **fire** `{{G4442}}`, smoke, and brimstone [[Revelation 9:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context help illuminate its meaning:
* `{{G4442}}` **pŷr** (fire): This is the root noun for pýrinos, meaning **"fire"**. It appears in the same verse to describe one of the plagues that **issued** `{{G1607}}` from the mouths of the horses [[Revelation 9:17]].
* `{{G2382}}` **thṓrax** (breast-plate): The object modified by **pýrinos**, this is a **"corslet"** or breastplate. Its fiery nature connects to its purpose in this apocalyptic vision, in contrast to its use as the **breastplate** of righteousness [[Ephesians 6:14]].
* `{{G2303}}` **theîon** (brimstone): This word for **"brimstone"** or sulphur is paired with **fire** `{{G4442}}` as a destructive agent coming from the horses' mouths. The riders' breastplates are also described as being of **brimstone** `{{G2306}}`, linking their appearance to the destruction they cause [[Revelation 9:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4447}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful image of judgment.
* **Symbol of Judgment:** The description of the breastplates as **of fire** `{{G4447}}` is not merely decorative. Fire `{{G4442}}` and **brimstone** `{{G2303}}` are consistently used in Revelation as instruments of divine judgment, culminating in the lake of **fire** ([[Revelation 19:20]], 21:8). The riders are thus visibly marked by the very nature of their destructive mission.
* **Apocalyptic Warfare:** The imagery portrays a supernatural army equipped for spiritual warfare. Unlike the believer's armor, which includes the **breastplate** `{{G2382}}` of righteousness for defense [[Ephesians 6:14]], these fiery breastplates are offensive, symbolizing an unstoppable and terrifying force unleashed upon the earth.
* **Terrifying Appearance:** The combination of **fiery** `{{G4447}}`, jacinth `{{G5191}}`, and sulphurous `{{G2306}}` breastplates, lion-headed horses, and plagues issuing from their mouths creates an image of overwhelming terror. This is part of a **vision** `{{G3706}}` intended to convey the awesome and fearful nature of God's wrath.
### Summary
In summary, **pýrinos** `{{G4447}}` is a highly specific and vivid term used only once in Scripture. Its sole function is to describe the armor of the apocalyptic horsemen in [[Revelation 9:17]], immediately linking their appearance to the destructive **fire** `{{G4442}}` and **brimstone** `{{G2303}}` they unleash. The word transforms a simple piece of armor into a powerful symbol of divine judgment, illustrating how a single adjective can define the terrifying nature of a biblical vision.
TRV