Word Study for G681 (ἅπτω) | Strong's Concordance

háptō /hap'-to/ Ask about this word

Meaninga primary verb; properly, to fasten to, i.e. (specially) to set on fire

KJV usagekindle, light.

Word Study

In depth

A plain-language study of háptō — 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 háptō, represented by G681, is a primary verb meaning to fasten to, and is specially used to mean to set on fire, kindle, or light. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible, consistently describing the act of initiating a source of light or fire.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In its biblical occurrences, G681 is consistently associated with creating light. In the parable of the lost coin, a woman lights G681 a candle to search her house Luke 15:8. Similarly, it is used in teachings that a candle, once lighted G681, is not hidden but placed on a candlestick to give light to those who enter (Luke 8:16, Luke 11:33). The only other use describes the kindling G681 of a fire G4442 in a hall, which then allows people to gather Luke 22:55.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide context for the action of lighting:

G3088 lýchnos (a portable lamp or other illuminator): This is the object being lit by G681 in three of its four appearances. It serves as the direct source of light in parables and teachings Luke 15:8.
G4442 pŷr (fire): This is the object kindled by G681 in the narrative of Peter in the hall Luke 22:55, providing a source of warmth and a place for gathering.
G3087 lychnía (a lamp-stand): This word describes the proper place for a lit candle, emphasizing that the light created by the action of G681 is meant to be displayed openly and not hidden (Luke 8:16, Luke 11:33).

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G681 comes from the purpose behind the action.

Initiating Revelation: The primary purpose of the action of G681 is to reveal what is in the dark. A candle is lighted G681 not to be covered G2572 or hidden, but so that those who enter may see the light (Luke 8:16, Luke 11:33).
An Enabling Act: The lighting of a candle or kindling of a fire serves as a necessary first step for other activities. It enables the diligent G1960 search for a lost coin Luke 15:8 or provides the setting for a gathering Luke 22:55.
Diligence in Seeking: In the parable of the lost coin, the act of lighting G681 a candle is part of a series of actions that includes sweeping G4563 and seeking G2212 until something precious is found G2147 Luke 15:8. It underscores the deliberate effort required to recover what is lost.

Summary

In summary, while G681 is a simple verb for lighting or kindling, its significance lies in its context. It is never a final action but always a preparatory one, setting the stage for revelation, searching, or fellowship. Through its few appearances, háptō illustrates the principle that light must be actively and intentionally introduced to overcome darkness and to find that which is valuable.

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 41 occurrences, inflected in 16 grammatical forms — each row is one form, and the bar is how often it is that form.

Aorist Middle Deponent Indicative 3rd Singular 15×
Aorist Middle Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 4×
Aorist Middle Subjunctive 3rd Plural 3×
Aorist Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 2×
Aorist Middle Deponent Indicative 3rd Plural 2×
Aorist Middle Subjunctive 1st Singular 2×
Aorist Middle Subjunctive 3rd Singular 2×
Present Middle Indicative 3rd Singular 2×
Present Middle Infinitive 2×
Aorist Active Participle Genitive Plural Masculine 1×
Aorist Active Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 1×
Aorist Middle Subjunctive 2nd Singular 1×

+ 4 rarer forms

Nominative: The subject of the verb.
Genitive: Possession or source — often "of".
Singular: One.
Plural: More than one.
Masculine: Masculine grammatical gender.
1st: First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd: Second person — the one addressed ("you").
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.
Middle: The subject acts on or for itself.
Middle Deponent: Middle in form but active in meaning.
Indicative: A plain statement of fact.
Subjunctive: Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Infinitive: The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle: A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Related Words

Other entries the study above points to — each one is drawn from a reference it makes. Follow the trail to see how the words connect.

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

4 verses, all in Luke — and none of the other 26 New Testament books.

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.