Brief Overview of πυρράζω (Strong’s G4449: purrazō)

Strong’s G4449: A verb meaning “to be fiery red” or “to grow red,” particularly used of the sky’s coloration. Appears in Jesus’s teaching about weather signs, reflecting ancient meteorological wisdom. Derived from πυρρός (fire-colored), emphasizing the reddish glow of dawn or sunset.

U- Unveiling the Word

πυρράζω specifically describes the reddening of the sky, particularly at sunrise or sunset. In its New Testament usage, Jesus employs this term to discuss weather prediction, using the common wisdom of sky-reading to challenge His listeners about spiritual discernment. The word carries both meteorological precision and metaphorical weight, as early church fathers saw in this natural phenomenon a reflection of spiritual truth. They often used this term to discuss signs of divine activity and the importance of spiritual discernment. Today, this word continues to remind us of the connection between natural observation and spiritual insight.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: πυρράζω, purrazō, /pyrˈrazo/
• Pronunciation Guide: “poor-RAD-zo” (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Root: πυρρ- (purr-) from πυρρός meaning “fire-colored” or “red”
• Suffix: -άζω (-azō) – verbal suffix indicating a process or becoming
• Indicates the process of becoming red or showing redness

D – Defining Meanings

• To be fiery red
• To grow red (of sky)
• To show redness
• To take on a reddish hue

Translation Options:

• To be red – Most direct translation
• To glow red – Captures the luminous quality
• To redden – Emphasizes the process

E – Exploring Similar Words

• ἐρυθραίνω (eruthrainō) /eryˈthraino/ – to become red or ruddy – See G2063
• πυρρός (purrhos) /pyrˈros/ – fiery red, the color of fire – See G4450
• φοινίσσω (phoinissō) /foiˈnisso/ – to redden or turn crimson – See G5354

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Morphological Features (Verb):

• Tense: Present
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Progressive

Examples:

• Present Active: πυρράζει (it is red/growing red)
• Present Participle: πυρράζων (being red/growing red)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its specific use for sky coloration. Thayer’s notes its derivation from πυρρός and meteorological context. LSJ provides examples from weather observation literature. Vine’s highlights its use in Jesus’s teaching about signs. Strong’s connects it to weather prediction. LEH traces similar usage in Septuagint descriptions. Moulton and Milligan show its technical use in weather forecasting documents.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First Appearance:
“When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky [πυρράζει] is red.'” Matthew 16:2

Additional References:
Matthew 16:3

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

πυρράζω serves as a powerful reminder that God speaks through both nature and revelation. Jesus used this common meteorological term to challenge people’s spiritual discernment, suggesting that those who can read the sky’s signs should also be able to discern the signs of God’s kingdom. This proclaims the good news by showing that God reveals Himself through both natural and spiritual means, calling us to greater awareness and understanding.

D – Did You Know?

1. Ancient mariners relied heavily on the phenomenon of πυρράζω for weather prediction.
2. The term influenced the development of weather forecasting terminology across Mediterranean cultures.
3. Early Christian art often used red sky imagery inspired by this word to represent divine manifestation.

Strong’s G4449: A specific meteorological term describing the reddening of the sky, particularly at dawn or dusk. Used by Jesus to connect natural observation with spiritual discernment. Reflects ancient weather wisdom while serving as a metaphor for recognizing divine signs.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: red, sky, weather, signs, discernment, natural phenomena, meteorology, sunset, sunrise, prophecy, wisdom, observation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​