Bible Dictionary
QUENCH
To quench is to extinguish fire, suppress desire, or relieve thirst. Scripture also speaks of quenching the devil’s fiery darts by faith and warns against quenching the Holy Spirit.
Definition
To quench means to extinguish fire, allay thirst, suppress something, or cool it. Figuratively, it may describe restraining affections and passions, extinguishing a person’s influence, or resisting a spiritual work.
Biblical Usage
The Old Testament applies quenching to affections, passions, and the extinguishing of a dear person or brilliant leader. In the New Testament, faith is said to quench the fiery darts of the evil one. The word is also used of the unquenchable fire of Gehenna and of resisting or suppressing the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>kwench, kwensh: Where the word is used of fire or of thirst it has the usual meaning: "to allay," "to extinguish," "to suppress," "to cool." In the Old Testament it is frequently applied to the affections and passions (see 2Ki 22:17; So 8:7; Isa 42:3; Jer 4:4; 21:12). Quenching the coal or the light of Israel may mean slaying a dear one or a brilliant leader. In the New Testament it is also used figuratively, as in Eph 6:16 the shield of faith quenches the fiery darts of the evil one. In Mr 9:48, sbennumi, and its derivative are applied with reference to Gehenna (translated "hell"). The same word is also used of resisting the gifts of the Holy Spirit in 1Th 5:19.</p><p>G. H. Gerberding</p>