Burn

Greek Word Pronunciation: pu-RA-oh
Strong’s Number: 4448
Goodrich/Kohlenberger Number: 4792
Key Verse: “… extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.” -- Ephesians 6:16

Several synonyms exist meaning “to burn” or “set on fire.” The verb puroo is found only in the passive voice in the New Testament, signifying “to be set on fire.” In 1 Corinthians 7:9, Paul says that “it is better to marry than to burn with passion.” Marriage is better than being dominated by ongoing sexual passion, especially in the Corinthian society. 2 Corinthians 11:29 also uses this word metaphorically, when Paul expresses grief over those who are “led into sin without my intense concern?” [The NKJ translates it as “… who is made to stumble, and I do not burn?”] Anyone stumbling into sin causes him intense emotional pain; he is set on fire with grief. 2 Peter 3:12 refers to the day of God “of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning …” Earth’s destruction will not be the result of any natural winding down of the universe, but the result of God’s sovereign will, occurring according to His plan.

Revelation 1:15 speaks of Jesus’ feet “like burnished bronze, when it has been made to glow in a furnace …” [KJV translates burned, and NKJV, refined.] Glowing hot, brass feet are reference to divine judgment. With feet of judgment, Jesus is moving through His church to exercise His chastening authority upon sin. In Revelation 3:18, Jesus tells the Laodicean church “to buy from Me gold refined by fire …” Sterling spiritual wealth is contrasted with its counterfeit, in which Laodicea boasted itself. Having bought this gold, she will be no longer poor.

EPHESIANS 6:16 references Satan’s flaming arrows against believers. Puroo is a participle here, in perfect tense, emphasizing the permanent and continuing force behind them. “The fiery darts” that were used in war were small, slender pieces of cane, which were filled with combustible materials, set on fire, and then shot against a foe. The object was to make the arrow fasten in the body, and increase the danger by the burning. The “fiery darts of the wicked” refers to the temptations of Satan, which he may throw into the mind of believers. These are blasphemous thoughts, unbelief, sudden temptation to do wrong, or thoughts that wound and torment the soul. The only way to meet them is by the “shield of faith,” by confidence in God, and by relying on His gracious promises and aid. If we have not faith in God, we are wholly defenseless. We should have a shield that we can turn in any direction, on which we may receive the arrow, and by which it may be put out.