Understanding ἀναζωπυρέω (anazōpureō) Strong’s G329: Rekindling the Divine Fire Within – A Deep Dive into Biblical Greek

Pronunciation Guide: ah-nah-zo-poo-REH-oh

Basic Definition

Strong’s G329: ἀναζωπυρέω (anazōpureō) describes the act of rekindling or stirring up a fire that has grown dim, specifically used metaphorically to describe the renewal of spiritual fervor or gifts. This compound word paints a vivid picture of actively fanning dying embers back to full flame. In its biblical context, it carries the profound implication of intentionally reviving and maintaining spiritual passion and divine giftings through deliberate action.

Etymology and Morphology

• Part of Speech: Verb
• Compound word from ἀνά (up, again) + ζωός (alive) + πῦρ (fire)
• Primary usage in teaching/exhortation contexts
• Rare in New Testament (hapax legomenon – appears only once)
• Voice/Mood: Present Active Infinitive

ἀναζωπυρέω Morphology:

• ἀναζωπυρεῖν (present active infinitive) – to rekindle
• ἀναζωπυρήσῃς (aorist active subjunctive) – you might rekindle
• ἀναζωπυροῦντες (present active participle) – rekindling
• ἀναζωπυρῆσαι (aorist active infinitive) – to have rekindled

Origin & History

The term ἀναζωπυρέω has a rich history in classical Greek literature, particularly in military contexts where maintaining fire was crucial for army camps. Xenophon uses it in his “Cyropaedia” (7.5.23) when describing how soldiers would rekindle their camp fires after they had died down. The term appears in the Septuagint in 1 Maccabees 13:7 to describe the rekindling of people’s spirits for battle.

In early church father literature, Clement of Alexandria (Stromata 1.1) employs this word to describe the process of rekindling knowledge and wisdom in the soul, drawing a parallel between maintaining physical fire and nurturing spiritual enlightenment. The metaphorical extension from physical fire-tending to spiritual renewal became increasingly common in Christian writings.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• To rekindle or revive a flagging fire
• To stir up what lies dormant
• To fan into flame what was merely smoldering
• To actively maintain and intensify an existing fire

ἀναζωπυρέω Translation Options:

• “Fan into flame” – Emphasizes the active, intentional nature of the process
• “Rekindle” – Highlights the restoration aspect of something previously vibrant
• “Stir up” – Focuses on the agitation and activation component
• “Keep ablaze” – Stresses the ongoing maintenance aspect

Biblical Usage

In its sole New Testament appearance, ἀναζωπυρέω emerges in 2 Timothy 1:6 where Paul exhorts Timothy to “fan into flame” the gift of God. This usage is particularly significant as it comes within a pastoral context of encouragement and spiritual mentorship. The present tense suggests an ongoing action – not a one-time revival but a continuous tending to the spiritual fire.

While the word appears only once in the New Testament, its conceptual parallels can be found throughout Scripture where spiritual fervor and divine gifting are discussed:

• “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame [ἀναζωπυρεῖν] the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” 2 Timothy 1:6
• Related concept in 1 Thessalonians 5:19 – “Do not quench the Spirit”
• Thematic connection to Romans 12:11 – “Keep your spiritual fervor”

Cultural Insights

In the ancient world, maintaining fire was a critical daily task. Every household had a sacred duty to keep their hearth fire burning, as starting a new fire was difficult and time-consuming. This cultural backdrop adds depth to Paul’s metaphor – just as ancient households would carefully tend their fires, adding fuel and clearing ashes at regular intervals, so too must believers actively maintain their spiritual gifts and fervor.

The Jewish understanding of fire as representing divine presence (as seen in the burning bush, pillar of fire, and tongues of fire at Pentecost) would have resonated deeply with Timothy, who was raised in a Jewish-Greek household. The idea of “rekindling” would have carried connotations of renewed divine presence and power.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀναζωπυρέω in 2 Timothy 1:6 reveals profound theological truths about the nature of spiritual gifts and our responsibility toward them. It suggests that divine gifting, while sovereignly given, requires human participation in its maintenance and development. This creates a beautiful picture of divine-human cooperation in the spiritual life.

The word also implies that spiritual fervor naturally tends to diminish unless actively maintained, much like a fire needs constant attention. This reveals God’s wisdom in designing our spiritual life to require ongoing engagement and intentional nurturing, preventing passive or taken-for-granted faith.

Personal Application

Just as a fire tender must regularly clear away ashes, add new fuel, and ensure proper airflow, believers must actively maintain their spiritual vitality. This involves regular spiritual disciplines, fellowship with other believers, and intentional exercise of spiritual gifts. The present tense of the verb in 2 Timothy 1:6 reminds us that this is not a one-time event but a continuous process.

Consider what “ashes” might need clearing from your spiritual life – old hurts, doubts, or distractions that may be smothering your spiritual fire. What new “fuel” could you add through Bible study, prayer, or service? How might you improve the “airflow” of the Holy Spirit in your life through worship and surrender?

Related Words

• πυρόω (puroō) – to burn, be on fire, to be inflamed (pronunciation: poo-RO-oh) – Used for intense spiritual or emotional states – See G4448
• καίω (kaiō) – to light, kindle, burn (pronunciation: KAI-oh) – More general term for burning or lighting – See G2545
• ἐκκαίω (ekkaiō) – to burn out, kindle (pronunciation: ek-KAI-oh) – Emphasizes complete burning – See G1572
• θερμαίνω (thermainō) – to warm, heat (pronunciation: ther-MAI-no) – Related to physical warming – See G2328

Did you Know?

• The word ἀναζωπυρέω was commonly used in ancient Greek military manuals for the critical task of maintaining signal fires, which were essential for communication between army units. This military connection adds weight to Paul’s use of the term in the context of spiritual warfare and discipleship.
• Modern Greek still uses derivatives of this word in firefighting contexts, particularly in describing the phenomenon of a seemingly extinguished fire springing back to life – a phenomenon firefighters must guard against carefully.
• The compound nature of ἀναζωπυρέω (ἀνά + ζωός + πῦρ) makes it one of the most vivid and picturesque words in the New Testament, literally painting a picture of “bringing a fire back to life again.”

Remember This

ἀναζωπυρέω reminds us that spiritual vitality is not automatic – it requires our active participation in partnership with the Holy Spirit to maintain the sacred fire of our calling and gifts.