ζεστός
zestós
G2200 substantive adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Hot; characterized by a high degree of heat or having been boiled. In extended or metaphorical usage, denotes fervency, ardor, or intense passion. The primary lexical sense is physical heat, with figurative extension to describe intensity of emotion or commitment, especially zeal.
Semantic Range
hot (of temperature), boiled, boiling, fervent (of emotion or attitude), ardent, zealous, passionate
Root / Etymology
From the verb ζέω (to boil, to be hot), formed with a verbal adjective suffix -τός, indicating a state or condition. Thus, ζεστός denotes 'in a state of having been made hot' or 'heated.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, ζεστός was primarily used for physical heat, especially water or other liquids that are boiling or have been brought to a high temperature. In the Koine period, including the New Testament (e.g., Revelation 3:15-16), its usage extends metaphorically to describe intensity of feeling—particularly zeal or fervency in spiritual or ethical matters. This metaphorical use contrasts with the idea of being 'cold' (ψυχρός) or 'lukewarm' (χλιαρός), especially in didactic or moral exhortation. English translations often render it 'hot' or 'fervent,' but may not fully convey the sense of intensity or active energy implied in Greek. The contrast between physical and metaphorical uses became more pronounced in Koine Greek. ζεστός is rare outside of these contexts in Koine literature, and more common as an adjective for temperature in earlier Greek.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from ζέω; boiled, i.e. (by implication) calid (figuratively, fervent):--hot.
Root Family
ζεστός (zestos) — to boil, to be hot, to heat
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2200-01 |
ζεστός | zestos | ADJ.S NOM M SG |
hot | heated one | hot | 3 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2200-01 |
Revelation 3:15 | ζεστός | zestos | ADJ.S NOM M SG |
hot | heated one | hot |
G2200-01 |
Revelation 3:15 | ζεστός | zestos-2 | ADJ.S NOM M SG |
hot | heated one | hot |
G2200-01 |
Revelation 3:16 | ζεστὸς | zestos | ADJ.S NOM M SG |
hot | heated one | hot |