Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Usage:The term "afire" is used to describe something that is on fire or burning. In the context of the Bible, fire often symbolizes God's presence, judgment, purification, and the Holy Spirit. The imagery of fire is prevalent throughout the Scriptures, serving as a powerful metaphor for divine action and spiritual fervor.
Biblical References:1.
God's Presence and Revelation: · In the Old Testament, fire is frequently associated with the presence of God. One of the most notable instances is the burning bush encountered by Moses. In
Exodus 3:2 , it is written, "There the Angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that the bush was afire but was not consumed." This miraculous event signifies God's holy presence and His call to Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
2.
Divine Judgment: · Fire is also a symbol of God's judgment. In the account of Sodom and Gomorrah, God rains down fire and brimstone as a form of divine retribution.
Genesis 19:24 states, "Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens." This act of judgment serves as a warning against sin and disobedience.
3.
Purification and Refinement: · Fire is used metaphorically to describe the process of purification and refinement. In
Malachi 3:2-3 , the prophet speaks of the coming of the Lord, saying, "But who can endure the day of His coming? Who can stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver." This passage highlights the purifying work of God in the lives of His people.
4.
The Holy Spirit: · In the New Testament, fire is associated with the Holy Spirit. On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles in the form of tongues of fire.
Acts 2:3 describes this event: "They saw tongues like flames of a fire that separated and came to rest on each of them." This symbolizes the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, igniting the apostles to spread the Gospel.
5.
Spiritual Zeal and Passion: · The concept of being "afire" can also refer to spiritual zeal and passion for God. In
Romans 12:11 , believers are exhorted, "Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord." This call to maintain spiritual fervor encourages Christians to remain passionate and committed in their service to God.
Theological Significance:The imagery of fire in the Bible serves multiple purposes, from representing God's holy presence to illustrating His judgment and purifying work. It also signifies the empowering and transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. The call to be "afire" spiritually is a reminder for Christians to maintain their zeal and dedication to God, reflecting His light and love in the world.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
adv.) On fire.
Greek
1705b. empipremi -- to set on fire... to set on fire. Transliteration: empipremi Short Definition:
afire. Word Origin
from en and pimpremi Definition to set on fire NASB Word Usage set...on fire (1)
...Strong's Hebrew
1197a. baar -- to burn, consume... 5), light (1), make (2), make a clean sweep (1), make fires (1), purge (9), remove
(3), removed (4), set (1), set ablaze (1), sets it
afire (1), started (1
...Library
Plymouth Services
... He would read them as if they were fairlyafire with indignation and wrath; then,
softening his voice, read them again with an infinite pathos, as if they were...
Those Days it was Near Twelve O'Clock by the Great Dial of History...
... "Nay, her heart isafire, and its light hath the color of roses," said an old
philosopher who sat by. "Can you not see it shining through her cheeks?"....
Instructions and Counsels to Confessors and Spiritual Directors.
... 38. If the Confessor procures an inward and outward Recollection, his words will
be (tho' he knows it not) like Coals kindled, setting their Soulsafire. 39....
Prologue of Richard Rolle
... But as it were if thy finger were put into the fire it should be clad with sensible
burning, so, as beforesaid, the soul setafire with love, truly feels most...
That Solitary or Hermit's Life Passes Common and Mixed Life. And...
... Because by the bitter drink of penance they have loved great labour, they are now
setafire with the love of high contemplation, and alone are worthy to take...
Prologue
... But that across the centuries his soul,afire with charity, continues to warm our
own; that without our knowledge he still shapes us; and that, in a way more...
Carthago Veneris
... the coming of love. Happy intimation for the Christian! A heart soafire is
pledged to the eternal marriage. With this heat of passion...
Removing the Veil
... after God as the roe pants after the water brook, and the measure in which God revealed
Himself to his seeking heart set the good man's whole lifeafire with a...
The New Garment Bent
... The prophet's words had set him allafire with ambitious hopes, and he paid no heed
to the distinct assurance that Solomon was to be 'prince all the days of...
The Sixth Beatitude
... Everything will be different when 'earth is crammed with heaven, and every common
bushafire with God.' That is what is possible for a Christian holding fast...
Thesaurus
Afire (2 Occurrences)... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) On fire. Multi-Version Concordance
Afire (2 Occurrences). Deuteronomy 32:22 For a fire is kindled
...Aflame (8 Occurrences)
Flaming (40 Occurrences)
... & vb. n.) of Flame. 2. (a.) Emitting flames;afire; blazing; consuming; illuminating.
3. (a.) of the color of flame; high-colored; brilliant; dazzling....
Affrighteth (1 Occurrence)
Resources
Who was Immanuel Kant? | GotQuestions.orgAfire: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
