I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?
I am come to send, [ balein (G906 ), rather, 'to cast'] fire on the earth. By "fire" here we are to understand, as Olshausen expresses it, the higher spiritual element of life which Jesus came to introduce into this earth (compare Matthew 3:11), with reference to its mighty effects in quickening all that is akin to it and destroying all that is opposed. To cause this element of life to take up its abode on earth, and wholly to pervade human hearts with its warmth, was the lofty destiny of the Redeemer. So Calvin, Stier, Alford, etc.
And what will I, if it be already kindled? х kai (G2532) ti (G5101) theloo (G2309) ei (G1487) eedee (G2235) aneefthee (G381)] - an obscure expression, uttered under deep and half-smothered emotion. In its general import all are agreed, but interpreters differ as to the precise shade of meaning intended. The nearest to the precise meaning seems to be, 'And what should I have to desire if it were but once kindled?'