This verb describes complete consumption, especially by fire. Hebrews 12:29 declares 'our God is a consuming fire,' using the present participle to emphasize ongoing, active power. Classical usage shows the word for using up resources, devouring fuel, or eating completely. The compound intensifies simple 'consume' with a thorough prefix. All translation witnesses preserve the devouring/consuming imagery. The Hebrews citation adapts Deuteronomy 4:24, warning that divine holiness burns away everything impure. The participle characterizes God's essential nature as holy fire that cannot tolerate sin.