Top 7 Bible Verses About or Related To Fire

Fire is a necessary part of life, and it has many uses—heating, lighting, protection, cooking, purifying, and destruction among others. It is one of the first techniques that survivalists try to master in order to stay alive in a crisis. Likewise, fire is mentioned in the Bible multiple times, and it is also associated with various purposes. Keeping this in mind, here are my top 7 Bible verses about or related to fire.

Exodus 13:21 “And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night.” 

Fire has always played an important role in the Kingdom of God. It was used in animal sacrifices by the Israelites in their worship to the Lord, and God also used it to lead his children through the desert. The fire provided lighting and heat during the cold desert nights, as well as protection and guidance for them during their travels. In other words, God was providing his people with the basic necessities that they needed to not only survive in the wilderness but to actually thrive there.

Exodus 19:18 “Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the Lord had descended on it in fire. The smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled greatly.” 

Fire has also been a significant aspect of God’s presence in the lives of his people, as described here in this verse. The Lord descended on Mount Sinai in fire, and the whole mountain shook because he was there. We read of God being found in light, in water, and in other means, and they all reflect his glory and power in every circumstance.

Luke 3:16 “John answered them all, saying, ‘I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.’” 

Fire becomes more symbolic in the New Testament as exemplified here in this verse. John the Baptist is announcing the coming of the Messiah, while explaining that his own baptism is an outward washing of the body for repentance. He goes on to explain that this is in contrast to the baptism of the Christ, because that will be with the Holy Spirit and fire, an inner cleansing of the heart, mind, and soul of a person who repents of their sins and turns back to the Lord.

Matthew 25:41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’” 

Another significant “fire” mentioned in God’s word is the fire of God’s ultimate judgment, which for some leads to eternal damnation or hell. The Bible tells us that all those who believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior will receive eternal life. Unfortunately, it also confirms that those who refuse to accept Jesus will be sent to the fiery pit of suffering for eternity. As it mentions in this verse, God will separate the believers from the unbelievers and send the devil, his angels, and his followers into the eternal fire.

Acts 2:3 “And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them.” 

Fire is also associated with the Holy Spirit. When the disciples were praying in the Upper Room in Jerusalem after Jesus’ ascension, they received the gift of the Holy Spirit that looked like tongues of fire over their heads. This “fire” rested on them, and transformed their lives forever. They went from being a weak and fearful group of people cowering in a back room, to standing up and speaking boldly to the international crowd at Pentecost.

Hebrews 12:28-29 “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” 

Here is another passage that refers to God as a consuming fire, because he is all-powerful, all-knowing, and all-seeing. When he speaks, worlds come into existence, and with one thought cities are destroyed. His desire is that we should all come into a relationship with him, so that the chaff in our lives gets burned up and we become holy and pure before him. God’s fire doesn’t hurt his children—it cleanses, purifies, and frees our spirits, minds, and hearts.

James 3:5 “So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!” 

Finally, my last top verse about fire is this one about the tongue. It is a famous passage commenting on the power of the spoken word. The tongue can bring healing or give death, as its power resembles a wild fire that burns everything in its path if it is not contained. Unleashed fire brings destruction, yet God’s holy fire brings life and healing.

Conclusion 

Fire is a powerful tool that brings life, or it is a destructive weapon that destroys everything in its path. It has many uses and purposes, but in God’s word, it frequently represents the powerful presence of the Lord. We often think of fire as destructive or painful, but when we become Christians we see the fire of the Holy Spirit as life-giving and helpful. We no longer fear it or the fires of hell. Instead we pursue God, and his all-consuming fire that purifies and cleanses us and brings us into a new realm of relationship with him.

Written by Karla Hawkins

I am very grateful to be a Christian author, editor and translator. Some of my favorite pastimes include traveling, and connecting with family and friends via social media. When I am not working, I love spending time with my family and especially with my precious three-year-old grandson.