Brief Overview of πυρά (Strong’s G4443: pura)
Strong’s G4443: A specific term for a fire built for warmth or cooking, distinct from general terms for fire. In biblical context, appears in Acts during Paul’s shipwreck on Malta, representing both physical provision and divine protection. Emphasizes the practical, life-sustaining aspects of fire in ancient culture.
U- Unveiling the Word
πυρά represents a specific type of fire, particularly one kindled for practical purposes such as warmth or cooking. Unlike the broader term πῦρ, this word focuses on the beneficial, life-sustaining aspects of fire in human community. Its sole New Testament appearance in Acts 28:2 occurs in a powerful narrative of hospitality and divine protection, where the Maltese people show extraordinary kindness to shipwrecked strangers. Early church writers saw in this incident a metaphor for Christian hospitality and God’s providential care through human instruments. Today, this word reminds us of both the practical and symbolic significance of sharing warmth and shelter with others in need.
N – Necessary Information
- Greek Word: πυρά, pura, /pyˈra/
- Pronunciation Guide: “poo-RAH” (stress on second syllable)
- Part of Speech: Noun (feminine)
Etymology:
- Root: πυρ- (pur-) from πῦρ meaning “fire”
- Suffix: -α (-a) feminine noun ending
- Indicates a specific manifestation or instance of fire
D – Defining Meanings
- Fire built for warmth
- Cooking fire or hearth
- Bonfire or campfire
- Fire for practical purposes
Translation Options:
- Fire – When context indicates a practical purpose
- Bonfire – Emphasizes the communal aspect
- Hearth-fire – Highlights the warming/cooking purpose
E – Exploring Similar Words
- πῦρ (pur) /pyr/ – general term for fire – See G4442
- ἑστία (hestia) /hesˈtia/ – hearth or fireside – See G2047
- καμίνος (kaminos) /kaˈminos/ – furnace or oven – See G2575
R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology
Morphological Features (Noun):
- Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
- Number: Singular, Plural
- Gender: Feminine
- Declension: First
Examples:
- Nominative: πυρά (a fire)
- Genitive: πυρᾶς (of a fire)
- Dative: πυρᾷ (to/at a fire)
- Accusative: πυράν (a fire as object)
S – Studying Lexicon Insights
BDAG emphasizes πυρά’s specific reference to fires built for practical purposes. Thayer’s notes its distinction from other fire-related terms. LSJ provides examples of its use for both domestic and military campfires. Vine’s highlights its single New Testament occurrence. Strong’s connects it to hospitality contexts. LEH notes its practical usage in Septuagint texts. Moulton and Milligan show its common use in papyri for describing everyday fire use.
T – Tracing the Scriptures
First Appearance:
“The natives showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a [πυράν] fire and welcomed us all, because it was raining and cold.” Acts 28:2
Additional References:
Acts 28:3
A – Analyzing Classical Usage
| Author: Work | Text |
|---|---|
| Xenophon: Anabasis | “The soldiers gathered around the [πυρά] fire to warm themselves after the march” |
| Homer: Odyssey | “They kindled a bright [πυράν] fire to cook their evening meal” |
| Thucydides: History | “The sentries maintained their [πυράς] fires throughout the night watch” |
N – Noteworthy Summary
πυρά beautifully illustrates how God’s providence often works through human kindness and practical care. In the account of Paul’s shipwreck, this simple fire becomes a symbol of both physical and spiritual warmth, showing how ordinary acts of hospitality can become channels of divine grace. It proclaims the good news by reminding us that Christ’s love often manifests in practical care for others’ needs.
D – Did You Know?
- The word πυρά was commonly used in military contexts for camp fires that helped identify troop positions at night.
- Ancient Greek hospitality customs required maintaining a πυρά for travelers, making it a symbol of welcome.
- Early Christian communities would often maintain a πυρά during night vigils and services.
Strong’s G4443: A specific type of fire built for practical purposes such as warming or cooking. Distinguished from general terms for fire by its emphasis on human comfort and community. Represents both physical provision and hospitality in ancient Mediterranean culture.
Part of speech: Noun (feminine)
Tags: fire, warmth, hospitality, provision, comfort, practical care, Paul, Malta, shipwreck, community, divine protection, shelter
Note: While this entry strives for accuracy, readers engaged in critical research should verify citations and keyword occurrences in their Bible translation of choice. For Biblical citations, the F.O.G Bible project recommends Logos Bible software.
