Pronunciation Guide: an-al-is’-ko

Basic Definition

Strong’s G355: ἀναλίσκω (analiskō) describes a complete consumption or destruction, often by fire or intense force. It carries the sense of something being utterly spent, destroyed, or consumed, frequently implying divine intervention or judgment. This word powerfully conveys the idea of total transformation through consumption, whether in judgment or purification.

Etymology and Morphology

• Verb (Present Active Indicative)
• Derived from ἀνά (up, completely) + ἁλίσκομαι (to be taken, captured)
• Primary usage in narrative and prophetic contexts
• Common in contexts of divine judgment and supernatural manifestation

ἀναλίσκω Morphology:

• ἀναλίσκω (present active) – I consume, destroy
• ἀναλώσω (future active) – I will consume
• ἀνήλωσα (aorist active) – I consumed
• ἀναλωθῇ (aorist passive subjunctive) – might be consumed
• ἀναλοῦν (present active participle) – consuming

Origin & History

The word ἀναλίσκω has deep roots in classical Greek literature, where it was used to describe complete consumption or exhaustion of resources. Xenophon employed it in his “Anabasis” to describe the depleting of provisions during military campaigns. In the Septuagint (LXX), it gained spiritual significance, particularly in passages describing divine judgment through fire, such as in Exodus where it describes יהוה (Yahweh)’s presence as a consuming fire.

The early church fathers, particularly Origen in his “Contra Celsum,” used ἀναλίσκω to discuss divine judgment and purification. John Chrysostom, in his homilies, employed it to describe the transformative power of God’s presence that consumes sin while preserving the righteous.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• Complete consumption or destruction, especially by fire
• Divine judgment manifesting in supernatural consumption
• Total expenditure or exhaustion of resources
• Transformation through consuming power

ἀναλίσκω Translation Options:

• “Consume” – Best captures the complete nature of the action and its often supernatural context
• “Destroy” – Appropriate when emphasizing the judgment aspect
• “Devour” – Useful when describing aggressive or total consumption
• “Expend” – Suitable for contexts involving resources being depleted

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἀναλίσκω appears in contexts of both divine judgment and spiritual transformation. Its first appearance in Luke 9:54 reveals the disciples’ misunderstanding of Messiah’s mission when they asked if they should command fire to consume the Samaritan village. This usage connects directly to the Old Testament precedent of divine fire, particularly Elijah’s ministry.

The word carries special significance in passages dealing with eschatological judgment and spiritual warfare, emphasizing the complete nature of divine action whether in judgment or purification.

• Luke 9:54 – “command fire to come down from heaven and consume them”
• Galatians 5:15 – “take care that you are not consumed by one another”
• 2 Thessalonians 2:8 – “whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth”

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish thought, fire held dual significance as both an agent of judgment and purification. The concept of divine fire that consumes (ἀναλίσκω) was deeply rooted in the temple service, where the sacrificial fire had to completely consume the offerings. This connects to the Hebrew word ‘akal’ (אכל), which appears in descriptions of the divine presence as a consuming fire in Deuteronomy 4:24.

The cultural understanding of divine fire was not merely destructive but transformative, as seen in the purification of the prophet Isaiah’s lips with a coal from the altar. This dual nature of consuming fire shaped how early believers understood ἀναλίσκω in both its judgment and purifying aspects.

Theological Significance

The use of ἀναλίσκω in Scripture reveals profound truths about God’s character and His interaction with creation. It demonstrates that His consuming presence can manifest either in judgment or purification, depending on what it encounters. Like a refiner’s fire, His presence consumes impurity while purifying what is precious.

This word teaches us about the thoroughness of God’s work – whether in judgment or sanctification, He completes what He begins. The appearing of ἀναλίσκω in contexts of both judgment and purification reminds us that the same divine fire that judges sin also purifies believers, highlighting both God’s justice and His mercy.

Personal Application

Understanding ἀναλίσκω challenges us to examine our response to God’s consuming presence in our lives. Are we yielding to His purifying work, allowing Him to consume what doesn’t reflect His character? This word reminds us that transformation often comes through a process of divine consumption – letting go of the old to embrace the new.

When we feel overwhelmed by His presence, we can trust that His consuming work in our lives is purposeful, whether removing obstacles to our spiritual growth or refining us for His glory. The key is surrendering to His transformative power while trusting His perfect wisdom in the process.

Related Words

• κατεσθίω (katesthiō) – to devour, consume completely (emphasizes thorough consumption) – See G2719
• δαπανάω (dapanaō) – to spend, consume (focuses on expenditure of resources) – See G1159
• καταναλίσκω (katanaliskō) – to consume utterly (intensified form with similar meaning) – See G2654
• πυρόω (pyroō) – to burn, be purified by fire (related to purification aspect) – See G4448

Did you Know?

• The concept of divine consuming fire in ἀναλίσκω influenced early Christian martyrs who saw their potential death by fire as participation in Christ’s purifying work, transforming execution into a testimony of faith.
• Modern Greek still uses forms of ἀναλίσκω in words related to consumption and expenditure, particularly in economic contexts, showing how this ancient concept of complete consumption continues to shape language.
• The dual nature of ἀναλίσκω as both destroying and purifying influenced medieval Jewish mystical writings, particularly in discussions about divine judgment and mercy being two aspects of the same divine attribute.

Remember This

ἀναλίσκω reveals that God’s consuming presence, whether in judgment or purification, always accomplishes His perfect purpose – nothing partial, nothing incomplete, nothing left unchanged.