Welcome to our chronological list of fire that appears in the Bible, along with closely related themes. Keep scrolling to explore what each reference means in its biblical context.
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This list is not exhaustive due to the vast number of times fire is mentioned in the Bible. We have chosen to highlight specific entries that carry significant symbolic meaning. Did we miss a major one? Drop us a line to let us know!
Exodus
Exodus 3:2-5:
“The angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up.”
Explanation: This is the famous “burning bush” scene, a theophany (a visible manifestation of God). The fire that doesn’t consume the bush is a powerful symbol of God’s presence: holy, powerful, and self-sustaining. It signifies His transcendence (existing beyond the natural order) and His immanence (present with His people). The fire is miraculous, drawing Moses’ attention and preparing him for his divine commission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. In this context, the fact that the bush is not consumed demonstrates that God’s presence does not destroy, but rather, empowers and calls forth.
Exodus 13:21-22:
“…by night in a pillar of fire to give them light… the pillar of fire by night left its place…”
Explanation: The pillar of fire (and cloud) is a miraculous manifestation of God’s presence, guidance, and protection for the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. The fire represents God’s leading, providing light and warmth in the darkness of the wilderness, and symbolizing His constant presence with His people. It’s a visible assurance of His covenant faithfulness and His commitment to leading them to the Promised Land. The pillar served as a constant reminder that they were not alone, and that God was actively involved in their journey.
Exodus 19:18:
“Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the Lord descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace…”
Explanation: When God gives the Law to Moses on Mount Sinai, His presence is accompanied by fire, smoke, and an earthquake. The fire symbolizes God’s holiness, power, and the awe-inspiring nature of His presence. It signifies the seriousness of the covenant and the reverence due to God. The fire is part of a terrifying and majestic display of divine power, meant to impress upon the Israelites the magnitude of the encounter and the importance of the Law they were receiving.
Exodus 24:17:
“To the Israelites the glory of the Lord looked like a consuming fire on top of the mountain.”
Explanation: This describes the appearance of God’s glory to the Israelites. The “consuming fire” image emphasizes the overwhelming holiness and power of God. It’s a visual representation of His unapproachable majesty, inspiring both awe and fear. It’s a reminder that God is both immanent (present with His people) and transcendent (utterly separate and holy). Prior to Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the fire here serves as a visible boundary, reminding the people of God’s holiness and the need for mediation (through Moses) to approach Him.
Leviticus
Leviticus 9:24:
“Fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed the burnt offering…”
Explanation: After Aaron offers the first sacrifices according to God’s instructions, fire comes down from God to consume them. This is a miraculous sign of God’s acceptance of the offerings and His confirmation of Aaron’s priesthood. The fire represents God’s approval and His active participation in the worship of His people. It validates the newly established sacrificial system and demonstrates God’s willingness to dwell among His people. The people’s response of joy and falling facedown shows their recognition of God’s power and holiness.
Leviticus 10:1-2:
“Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu… offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to his command. So fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them…”
Explanation: Nadab and Abihu offer “unauthorized fire,” a violation of God’s specific instructions for worship. The fire that consumes them is a swift and severe judgment, demonstrating the seriousness of obedience and the holiness of God. This miraculous fire represents God’s judgment and the consequences of disregarding His commands, particularly in matters of worship. It underscores that, while loving and patient, God’s holiness remains not to be trifled with and that approaching Him requires adherence to His revealed will.
Numbers
Numbers 11:1-3:
“…fire from the Lord burned among them and consumed some…”
Explanation: God sends fire to punish the Israelites for their complaining and lack of trust, despite His provision. This miraculous fire represents God’s righteous anger and judgment against sin and rebellion. It’s a humbling reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of gratitude and contentment. The fire serves as a warning and a call to repentance.
Numbers 16:35:
“And fire came out from the Lord and consumed the 250 men who were offering the incense.”
Explanation: Fire from God consumes Korah’s fellow rebels, who challenged Moses’ and Aaron’s leadership and attempted to usurp priestly roles. This is another instance of divine judgment through miraculous fire, confirming God’s chosen leaders and punishing rebellion against His established authority. The fire serves as a definitive act, establishing the legitimacy of the Aaronic priesthood.
1 Kings
1 Kings 18:24, 38:
“…The god who answers by fire—he is God.’… Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water…”
Explanation: This is the dramatic showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. Elijah’s call is for God to answer by fire, proving His power and reality over the false god Baal. The miraculous fire that consumes the sacrifice, even after it was drenched with water, is a definitive demonstration of Yahweh’s supremacy and a powerful vindication of Elijah’s prophetic ministry. It signifies God’s power over false gods and His responsiveness to faithful prayer. The all-consuming nature of the fire emphasizes the completeness of God’s victory.
2 Kings
2 Kings 1:10-12:
“‘If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men!’ Then fire fell from heaven and consumed the captain and his men.”
Explanation: When King Ahaziah sends soldiers to arrest Elijah, Elijah calls down fire from heaven to consume them. This miraculous fire demonstrates God’s protection of His prophet and His judgment against the king’s disrespect and attempt to control a man of God. It highlights the power of God working through His servants and the danger of opposing God’s chosen messengers. It underscores that Elijah’s authority comes from God, not from earthly kings.
2 Kings 2:11:
“…suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared… and Elijah went up to heaven…”
Explanation: Elijah’s ascension to heaven is accompanied by a chariot and horses of fire. This miraculous event signifies God’s power and glory, and it marks the extraordinary end of Elijah’s earthly ministry, taken up to heaven without experiencing death. The fire represents divine power, the heavenly realm, and the transition from earthly life to God’s direct presence. It underscores Elijah’s unique status as a prophet.
2 Chronicles
2 Chronicles 7:1:
“When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple.”
Explanation: Similar to Leviticus 9:24, this miraculous fire demonstrates God’s acceptance of Solomon’s temple dedication and the sacrifices offered. It signifies God’s presence dwelling among His people and His approval of their worship. The fire and the glory filling the temple are visible signs of God’s acceptance and His commitment to be present with His people in this newly dedicated space.
Isaiah
Isaiah 6:6-7:
“Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand… With it he touched my mouth and said, ‘See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.'”
Explanation: In Isaiah’s vision of God’s throne room, a seraph (an angelic being) uses a live coal (related to fire) from the altar to cleanse Isaiah’s lips. The fire here symbolizes purification and cleansing from sin, preparing Isaiah for his prophetic calling. It represents God’s holiness and His ability to make people clean and fit for His service. The coal from the altar connects the cleansing to the sacrificial system, foreshadowing the ultimate atonement for sin through Christ.
Isaiah 64:1:
“…As when fire sets twigs ablaze and causes water to boil,”
Explanation: The prophet is longing for God to reveal His power. Fire is used to describe a characteristic of God, specifically His power in judgment. The fire represents God’s intense power, capable of causing drastic changes.
Jeremiah
Jeremiah 5:14:
“…I will make my words in your mouth a fire and these people the wood it consumes.”
Explanation: God declares that His words, spoken through Jeremiah, will be like fire, consuming the people who reject them. This emphasizes the power and judgment inherent in God’s word. The fire is a metaphor for the destructive consequences of disobedience and the unavoidable impact of God’s pronouncements.
Jeremiah 20:9:
“…his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones.”
Explanation: Jeremiah describes God’s word as a fire within him, compelling him to speak despite his fears and discouragement. The fire symbolizes the irresistible power and burning passion of God’s message. It represents the internal drive that a prophet feels to proclaim God’s truth, even when it’s difficult or unpopular. The fire cannot be contained; it demands to be expressed.
Jeremiah 23:29:
“‘Is not my word like fire,’ declares the Lord…”
Explanation: God declares that His word is like fire. This emphasizes the power, purifying effect, and consuming nature of His word. It can break through hard hearts and bring about transformation. The fire, like a hammer mentioned in the same verse, represents the irresistible force of God’s truth, able to penetrate even the most stubborn resistance.
Ezekiel
Ezekiel 1:4, 13, 27:
“…The center of the fire looked like glowing metal,…The appearance of the living creatures was like burning coals of fire or like torches. Fire moved…from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire…and brilliant light surrounded him.”
Explanation: Fire is a prominent theme in Ezekiel’s vision of God’s glory. Fire is used to describe the glory and holiness of God, as well as the angelic beings (cherubim) around God’s throne. The fire represents the radiant, awe-inspiring, and unapproachable nature of God’s presence. It conveys both His power and His purity, communicating a sense of overwhelming majesty.
Daniel
Daniel 3:24-27:
“…’Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed… the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed…'”
Explanation: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are thrown into a fiery furnace for refusing to worship an idol. God miraculously protects them, and they are unharmed by the intense heat. This event demonstrates God’s power to deliver His faithful servants and His presence even in the midst of trials. The fire represents both persecution and God’s power to overcome it, and even to be present within it. The fourth figure in the fire is often interpreted as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ (a Christophany).
Daniel 7:9-10:
“…His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. A river of fire was flowing, coming out from before him…'”
Explanation: Daniel’s vision of God (“the Ancient of Days”) depicts Him on a throne of fire. This symbolizes God’s holiness, judgment, and awesome power. The fire represents His consuming purity and His righteous judgment. The river of fire flowing from His throne suggests the ongoing and unstoppable nature of His judgment and the pervasive reach of His holiness.
Joel
Joel 2:3:
“Before them fire devours, behind them a flame blazes…”
Explanation: Describing the Day of the Lord and a locust plague (often interpreted as a symbolic army), fire is used as a metaphor for utter destruction and devastation. The fire represents the consuming power of God’s judgment, leaving nothing untouched. It’s a picture of complete and irreversible destruction, highlighting the severity of God’s wrath against unrepentant sin.
Amos
Amos 5:6:
“…he will sweep through the tribes of Joseph like a fire;…”
Explanation: Fire is symbolic of God and judgment, specifically here, His wrath and judgment on those not living according to His will. It signifies an unstoppable force that will purify and consume.
Zechariah
Zechariah 2:5:
“And I myself will be a wall of fire around it,’ declares the Lord…”
Explanation: God declares that He Himself will be Jerusalem’s protection, like a wall made of fire. This symbolizes God’s powerful and impenetrable defense of His people. The fire represents both a barrier against enemies and a manifestation of God’s glorious presence.
Malachi
Malachi 3:2-3:
“‘…For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier…'”
Explanation: This passage uses “refiner’s fire” as a metaphor for God’s purifying work in the lives of His people, particularly the Levites (the priestly tribe). The fire represents the process of removing impurities and bringing about holiness. It signifies judgment that refines, rather than destroys, with the goal of producing a people fit for God’s service. The fire is not literal but represents a process of testing, purification, and transformation.
Matthew
Matthew 3:11:
“‘…He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.'”
Explanation: John the Baptist speaks of Jesus baptizing with the Holy Spirit and fire. The “fire” here symbolizes the purifying and empowering work of the Holy Spirit. It represents the transformative power of God’s presence in the lives of believers. It can also refer to judgment, as fire often does, suggesting that the coming of the Messiah will involve both blessing and judgment. The Holy Spirit both empowers believers for service and refines them, burning away impurities.
Matthew 3:12:
“…burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
Explanation: The “unquenchable fire” symbolizes God’s perfect justice in dealing with unrepentant sin. It represents the ultimate and unavoidable consequences for those who persistently reject God’s offer of salvation. The fire imagery emphasizes the completeness and finality of this judgment, highlighting the importance of choosing God’s way over our own.
Luke
Luke 3:16:
“…’He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.’”
(Same explanation as Matthew 3:11)
Luke 12:49:
“‘I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!'”
Explanation: Jesus speaks of bringing “fire” to the earth. This fire likely represents the purifying judgment and division that His message would bring. It signifies the transformative and sometimes disruptive impact of the Gospel. The fire is not literal but represents the conflict and change that will result from Jesus’ ministry and the proclamation of the Kingdom of God. It also alludes to the refining work of the Holy Spirit, which will separate believers from unbelievers.
Acts
Acts 2:3-4:
“They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit…”
Explanation: On the Day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descends on the disciples in the form of “tongues of fire.” This miraculous event signifies the empowering of the church for its mission to spread the Gospel. The fire represents the presence, power, and purifying work of the Holy Spirit. The “tongues” indicate the ability to speak in other languages, enabling the disciples to proclaim the Gospel to people from different nations. The fire also symbolizes the zeal and passion that the Spirit ignites in believers.
Hebrews
Hebrews 1:7:
“…’He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire.'”
Explanation: This verse describes angels as “flames of fire,” highlighting their power, purity, and service to God. The fire symbolizes their divine nature and their role as messengers and agents of God’s will. It suggests their swiftness, their power to execute God’s commands, and their connection to the heavenly realm.
Hebrews 12:29:
“‘for our God is a consuming fire.'”
Explanation: This quote from Deuteronomy 4:24 emphasizes God’s holiness and His power to judge sin. The “consuming fire” image represents His righteous judgment and His ability to purify and refine. It’s a reminder of the awe and reverence due to God and the seriousness of sin. It also points to His ultimate power and sovereignty.
James
James 3:6:
“‘The tongue also is a fire…sets the whole course of one’s life on fire…'”
Explanation: James uses “fire” as a metaphor for the destructive power of the tongue. The uncontrolled tongue can spread like wildfire, causing immense damage to relationships, reputations, and even entire communities. It represents the potential for words to harm, destroy, and ignite conflict. The fire imagery emphasizes the rapid and uncontrollable spread of harmful speech.
Revelation
Revelation 1:14:
“…his eyes were like blazing fire.”
Explanation: This description of the glorified Christ includes “eyes like blazing fire.” The fire symbolizes His penetrating judgment, His all-knowing nature, and His divine power. It conveys the idea that nothing can be hidden from His sight and that He sees the truth of all things.
Revelation 3:18:
“I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire,…”
Explanation: Fire is used to describe the refining process to become spiritually rich. The fire symbolizes trials and tribulations that test and purify faith, leading to spiritual maturity and a closer relationship with God.
Revelation 8:5:
“Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth; and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake.”
Explanation: The fire from the altar, representing God’s holy presence and the prayers of the saints mixed with divine judgment, is dramatically thrown to the earth. This act initiates a series of catastrophic judgments, symbolized by thunder, lightning, and an earthquake. The censer, normally used for offering incense (representing prayer), is here used as an instrument of judgment. This signifies the unleashing of God’s righteous wrath upon the earth in response to wickedness and the rejection of His offer of salvation. The fire, taken from the very presence of God, underscores the divine origin and authority of the judgment. It’s a powerful image of God’s intervention in human affairs.
Revelation 9:17-18:
“…Out of their mouths came fire, smoke and sulfur. A third of mankind was killed by these three plagues of fire, smoke and sulfur that came out of their mouths.”
Explanation: This passage describes a terrifying vision of demonic forces, often interpreted as locusts or supernatural creatures, unleashed upon the earth during a period of judgment. The fire, smoke, and sulfur issuing from their mouths symbolize destruction, torment, and divine wrath. These are not literal substances, but represent the devastating consequences of the plagues. This imagery draws upon Old Testament depictions of God’s judgment (e.g., Sodom and Gomorrah) and emphasizes the overwhelming power of these forces. The fire represents a destructive power that brings death and suffering.
Revelation 10:1:
“Then I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven. He was robed in a cloud, with a rainbow above his head; his face was like the sun, and his legs were like fiery pillars.”
Explanation: This describes a powerful angel, whose appearance reflects the glory and majesty of God. The “fiery pillars” for legs symbolize strength, stability, and judgment. Fire often represents God’s presence and power, and here it signifies the angel’s authority and role in carrying out God’s will, possibly including judgment. The imagery connects the angel to divine power and suggests an awe-inspiring, even terrifying, presence.
Revelation 14:10:
“…whoever worships the beast and its image and receives its mark… they, too, will drink the wine of God’s fury… They will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb.”
Explanation: This verse describes the fate of those who choose to follow the beast (often interpreted as a symbol of anti-Christian power) instead of God. The “burning sulfur” (brimstone) is a vivid image of torment and judgment, drawing upon the Old Testament imagery of Sodom and Gomorrah’s destruction. The fire and sulfur represent the consequences of rejecting God and choosing evil. This emphasizes the eternal separation from God’s presence.
Revelation 14:18:
“Still another angel, who had charge of the fire, came from the altar and called in a loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle…”
Explanation: This verse introduces an angel specifically associated with “the fire,” indicating a role in executing God’s judgment. The fire likely represents the fire of God’s wrath and judgment, similar to the fire on the altar in Revelation 8:5. The angel’s emergence from the altar further connects the fire to God’s holy presence and righteous judgment. This angel’s role underscores the divine origin and control over the judgments being described.
Revelation 15:2:
“…And I saw what looked like a sea of glass glowing with fire and, standing beside the sea, those who had been victorious over the beast…”
Explanation: This vision depicts a “sea of glass mingled with fire,” a symbolic image representing God’s holiness, power, and judgment. The sea of glass suggests calmness, purity, and clarity, but the mingling with fire adds an element of divine judgment and the trials that the victorious saints have overcome. Those standing beside the sea are those who have remained faithful to God despite persecution. The fire, mingled with the glass, represents the refining process they have endured and the glory of God’s presence.
Revelation 16:8:
“…The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was allowed to scorch people with fire.”
Explanation: This is one of the “bowl judgments,” a series of plagues poured out on the earth. The sun, normally a source of life, is empowered to scorch people with intense heat and fire. This represents an intensification of natural disasters as instruments of God’s judgment. The fire symbolizes intense suffering and the consequences of rejecting God. It highlights the severity of God’s wrath against unrepentant sin.
Revelation 20:9-10:
“But fire came down from heaven and devoured them. And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur…”
Explanation: This depicts the final defeat of Satan and his forces. Fire from heaven represents God’s direct and decisive judgment, consuming the enemies of God. The “lake of burning sulfur” (also known as the lake of fire) is the ultimate and eternal destination for the devil and his followers. It represents eternal punishment, separation from God, and the complete and final defeat of evil. This is the ultimate expression of God’s wrath against unrepentant sin and rebellion.
Revelation 20:14:
“Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.”
Explanation: The “lake of fire” is further defined as the “second death,” emphasizing its permanence and finality. Death and Hades (the realm of the dead) are personified and cast into the lake of fire, signifying their ultimate defeat and the end of their power. This symbolizes the complete and irreversible destruction of everything opposed to God.
Revelation 20:15:
“Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”
Explanation: This verse describes the final judgment, where those whose names are not found in the “book of life” (representing those who have not accepted God’s offer of salvation) are cast into the lake of fire. The lake of fire represents the ultimate and eternal separation from God, the consequence of rejecting His grace and choosing a path of rebellion. This emphasizes the importance of having one’s name written in the book of life through faith in Jesus Christ.