consume, devour

Definition

The term “consume” literally means to use up something. It has several figurative meanings.

• In the Bible, the word “consume” often refers to destroying things or people.
• A fire is said to consume things, which means it destroys them by burning them up.
• God is described as a “consuming fire,” which is a description of his anger against sin. His anger results in terrible punishment for sinners who do not repent.
• To consume food means to eat or drink something.
• The phrase, “consume the land” could be translated as “destroy the land.”

Translation Suggestions

• In the context of consuming the land or people, this term could be translated as “destroy.”
• When fire is referred to, “consume” could be translated as “burn up.”
• The burning bush that Moses saw “was not consumed” which could be translated as “did not get burned up” or “did not burn up.”
• When referring to eating, “consume” could be translated as “eat” or “devour.”
• If someone’s strength is “consumed,” it means his strength is “used up” or “gone.”
• The expression, “God is a consuming fire” could be translated as “God is like a fire that burns things up” or “God is angry against sin and will destroy sinners like a fire.”

(See also: devour, wrath)

Bible References

• 1 Kings 18:38-40
• Deuteronomy 7:16
• Jeremiah 3:23-25
• Job 7:9
• Numbers 11:1-3

Word Data

• Strong’s: H0398, H0402, H1086, H1104, H1197, H2628, H3615, H3617, H3857, H4529, H5595, H8046, H8552, G03550, G26180, G26540, G27190, G53150