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What does the Bible say about fire?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible presents fire as a sign of God’s holy presence, purifying power, searching word, saving judgment, and final justice. God appeared to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3:2), answered Solomon’s prayer with fire (2 Chronicles 7:1), and sent tongues like fire at Pentecost as the Spirit equipped Christ’s church (Acts 2:3). His word is like fire, exposing and consuming falsehood while burning within those called to speak it (Jeremiah 23:29; 20:9). Christ baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire and came to cast fire upon the earth, bringing decisive division and purification (Luke 3:16; 12:49). Yet God is also a consuming fire against unrepentant sin (Hebrews 12:29), culminating in judgment for the wicked (Revelation 21:8).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Hebrews 12:29

    for our God is a consuming fire.

  • Luke 3:16

    John answered them all, "I indeed baptize you with water, but he comes who is mightier than I, the latchet of whose sandals I am not worthy to loosen. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire,

  • Psalms 104:4

    He makes his messengers winds; His servants flames of fire.

  • Luke 12:49

    "I came to throw fire on the earth. I wish it were already kindled.

  • Exodus 3:2

    The angel of Yahweh appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.

  • Acts 2:3

    Tongues like fire appeared and were distributed to them, and one sat on each of them.

  • Jeremiah 23:29

    Isn't my word like fire? says Yahweh; and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?

  • Jeremiah 20:9

    If I say, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name, then there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with forbearing, and I can't [contain].

  • 2 Chronicles 7:1

    Now when Solomon had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of Yahweh filled the house.

  • Revelation 21:8

    But for the cowardly, unbelieving, sinners, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their part is in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."

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