Brief Overview of πύρινος (Strong’s G4447: purinos)

Strong’s G4447: An adjective meaning “fiery” or “made of fire,” derived from πῦρ (fire). In biblical usage, particularly in Revelation, describes supernatural manifestations and divine judgment. Conveys both the appearance and nature of fire, emphasizing supernatural intensity and divine origin.

U- Unveiling the Word

πύρινος represents more than just a description of fire’s appearance; it suggests the very essence and nature of fire. In its New Testament usage, appearing exclusively in Revelation, the word characterizes apocalyptic imagery with supernatural significance. The term conveys both material composition and divine quality, suggesting something that is not merely fire-like but essentially composed of fire itself. Early church fathers saw in this word a description of divine judgment and purification. Today, this word continues to speak of the awesome nature of divine manifestation and the purifying power of God’s presence.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πύρινος, purinos, /ˈpyrinos/
• Pronunciation Guide: “PEE-ree-nos” (stress on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Adjective

Etymology:

• Root: πυρ- (pur-) from πῦρ meaning “fire”
• Suffix: -ινος (-inos) – adjectival suffix indicating composition or material
• Denotes something made of or consisting of fire

D – Defining Meanings

• Made of fire
• Fiery in nature
• Consisting of fire
• Having fire’s qualities

For compound words:
The suffix -ινος transforms the noun πῦρ into an adjective indicating composition or essential nature

Translation Options:

• Fiery – Best captures both material and quality
• Of fire – Emphasizes composition
• Fire-like – Describes appearance and nature

E – Exploring Similar Words

• φλόγινος (phloginos) /ˈfloginos/ – flaming or blazing – See G5395
• πυρόω (puroō) /pyˈroō/ – to burn or set on fire – See G4448
• διάπυρος (diapuros) /diˈapyros/ – red-hot or thoroughly fiery – See G1377

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features (Adjective):

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine, Feminine, Neuter
• Declension: Second/First

Examples:

• Masculine: πύρινος (fiery)
• Feminine: πυρίνη (fiery)
• Neuter: πύρινον (fiery)
• Plural forms follow regular adjectival patterns

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in apocalyptic contexts. Thayer’s notes its derivation from πῦρ and material significance. LSJ provides examples from classical literature describing divine manifestations. Vine’s highlights its uniqueness to Revelation in the New Testament. Strong’s connects it to supernatural manifestations. LEH traces its Septuagint usage in theophanic contexts. Moulton and Milligan show its use in describing supernatural phenomena in papyri.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“And this is how I saw the horses in my vision and those who rode them: they wore breastplates the color of [πυρίνους] fire and of sapphire and of sulfur.” Revelation 9:17

Additional References:
No additional references in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πύρινος portrays the awesome nature of divine manifestation in apocalyptic contexts. While it can represent judgment, it also proclaims the good news by showing God’s power and presence in unmistakable ways. Just as this fiery appearance marks supernatural intervention in Revelation, it reminds us that Christ will return in glory, bringing both judgment and purification.

D – Did You Know?

1. The term influenced early Christian art depicting angels and divine manifestations.
2. Medieval manuscripts often used red ink when copying passages containing πύρινος.
3. The word contributed to the development of alchemical terminology in ancient texts.

Strong’s G4447: An adjective denoting the essential nature and composition of fire, particularly in supernatural contexts. Used exclusively in Revelation for apocalyptic imagery. Conveys both material quality and divine manifestation in judgment and purification.

Part of speech: Adjective

Tags: fire, fiery, apocalyptic, revelation, divine manifestation, judgment, supernatural, purification, theophany, vision, apocalypse, divine power​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​