UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: to ignite, to kindle, to set ablaze, to start a fire, to light a lamp

Semantic entry: 14.65

Semantic domains: Physical Events and States

Subdomains: Burning

Definition: to cause the process of burning to begin

Notes: As already noted in the series of terms listed in 14.63: καίω / 14.63: καῦσις / 14.63: καυσόω / 14.63: πυρόω / 14.63: πύρωσις, languages differ appreciably in terms employed for different phases and results of burning. For example, to set something on fire for the sake of providing warmth may be expressed by quite a different term from that which is used in speaking of the process of setting something on fire in order to destroy it.|It is possible that περιάπτω, in view of the prefix περι-, adds a component of ‘round about,’ suggesting that the blaze or fire was for the benefit of those who encircled the fire.