ἐκκαίομαι

I burn with lust

Definition

ἐκκαίομαι is a verb meaning 'to be inflamed' or 'to burn intensely.' In its single New Testament occurrence in Romans 1:27, it specifically describes being 'consumed with passion' or 'burning with lust,' referring to intense, uncontrolled sexual desire. The prefix ἐκ (ek) intensifies the root verb 'to burn,' suggesting a blazing out or a fire that erupts from within. While the literal sense of physical burning is possible, the biblical usage is entirely metaphorical, depicting a powerful, consuming inner passion.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Romans 1:27. It appears in Paul's description of humanity's rebellion against God, specifically within the context of unnatural sexual relations. The usage is metaphorical, describing the intense, uncontrolled lust that characterizes the behavior Paul is condemning. There is no other pattern of usage in the biblical text.

Etymology

Derived from the preposition ἐκ (ek), meaning 'out of' or 'out from,' combined with the verb καίομαι (kaiomai), meaning 'to burn' or 'to be on fire.' The compound form ἐκκαίομαι thus literally means 'to burn out' or 'to be kindled into flame,' emphasizing an intense, outward expression of the internal burning. It is an intensified form of the simpler verb.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it captures the destructive power of sinful desire in Paul's argument in Romans 1. It illustrates the consequence of rejecting God: humanity is handed over to degrading passions, with 'burning lust' (ἐκκαίομαι) being a vivid symptom of a corrupted mind and heart (Romans 1:28). Understanding this intense Greek term enriches the reading of Romans 1 by highlighting that the sin described is not a mild temptation but a consuming, out-of-control fire that distorts God's design for human relationships.

In the Greco-Roman world, the metaphor of 'burning' for strong desire, especially sexual passion, was common in literature. Paul's use would have been immediately understood by his audience. However, he redirects this common cultural concept into a specific theological argument about sin and God's judgment, framing this 'burning' not as a neutral force of nature but as a direct consequence of idolatry and the suppression of truth.

ἐπιθυμέω (epithymeō, G1937) — a broader term for 'to desire' or 'to covet,' which can be neutral or negative, whereas ἐκκαίομαι is specifically an intense, burning passion. πυρόω (pyroō, G4448) — means 'to set on fire' or 'to be inflamed,' often used metaphorically for strong emotion; it can be more general, while ἐκκαίομαι in its NT use is narrowly focused on lust.

Word Details

Scripture References