G329
ἀναζωπυρέω
to re-enkindle
Transliteration
anazōpyréōPronunciation
(an-ad-zo-poor-eh'-o)Everything you need to know.
of Completion
This certifies that
Is on track to complete the Bible for the 1st time in 240 days.
Paul's Handkerchief is Bible study with a difference — going word-by-word through Scripture to reclaim the Ancient Near East context, romance, and mystery that modern translations often leave behind.
Only about 3% of people around the world who start the Bible ever finish it. The 3% Club is for those ready to break that cycle — reading the entire Bible at their own pace, backed by community and tools built to make finishing not just possible, but inevitable. You also get a certificate to celebrate your achievement.
Bible Cafe isn't just Bible study — it's a personal, intimate conversation with Him. Think less classroom, more kitchen table. It combines the original Coffee with Jesus experience with activities like quizzes, crosswords, journaling and more, all designed to let the Word shape your heart, not just your head.
Most English Bibles can't carry the full weight of what's in the original Hebrew and Greek. The F.O.G Bible Project exists to change that — three new translations built publicly (a Study Bible, a Reader's Bible, and F.O.G Jr. for younger readers), plus a word-by-word renewal of Strong's Concordance restoring the depths most translations leave behind. It is Jean Paul's lifelong work, unfolding in public — and you're invited in.
Jean Paul Joseph is the lead editor of the F.O.G Bible Project. He works from a personal encounter with Jesus first, then draws on the scholarship of respected Jewish and Christian scholars — because the church was Jewish before it was anything else, and those roots change everything about how you read Scripture.
Simply create an account and choose your preferred Bible and reading style. The app will track your progress and help keep you accountable to the rhythm of daily Scripture engagement.
to re-enkindle
ἀναζωπυρέω(anazōpyréō)
Strong’s Definition
to re-enkindle
from G303 (ἀνά) and a compound of the base of G2226 (ζῶον) and G4442 (πῦρ);
“Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.”
No verses found containing this word study ID.
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
ἀναζωπυρέω Morphology:
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
ἀναζωπυρέω Translation Options:
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:
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.
Send a Gift
This website is 100% donor-funded. Your generosity allows someone else to access this content for free.
Give a gift of $100 to sponsor a verse or page of your choice.
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
Did you Know?
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.