Greek word · Strong's G681

ἅπτω

háptō · verb · “to kindle, set on fire”

In a sentence

Haptō means to touch, kindle, or set on fire. Jesus' touch heals the leper; God's truth sets the heart on fire — both senses run through the New Testament.

Haptō covers a wide field — touching, lighting a lamp, even sexual contact. In the Gospels its loudest use is Jesus reaching out to touch what others would not: lepers, the dead, the unclean.

His touch did not defile him; it healed them. The chapter of Mark 1 alone shows him touching the untouchable. The same verb names the kindling of fire — and disciples whose hearts «burn» as he opens the Scriptures (Luke 24:32).

Strong's reference

Definition: properly, to fasten to, i.e. (specially) to set on fire

KJV usage: kindle, light

Reference gloss from Strong's Concordance (1890, public domain).

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

Mark 1:41 “Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!”” Luke 8:16 “No one lights a lamp and covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he sets it on a stand, so those who enter can see the light.”

Original BibleDawn word study. Original-language data and the public-domain Strong's (1890) gloss are referenced; see sources.