Lexical Summary anthrakia: Charcoal fire, heap of burning coals Original Word: ἀνθρακιά Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fire of coals. From anthrax; a bed of burning coals -- fire of coals. see GREEK anthrax NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom anthrax Definition a heap of burning coals NASB Translation charcoal fire (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 439: ἀνθρακιάἀνθρακιά (on accent cf. Etym. Magn. 801, 21; Chandler § 95), ἀνθρακιᾶς, ἡ, a heap of burning coals: John 18:18; John 21:9. (Sir. 11:32; 4 Macc. 9:20; Homer, Iliad 9, 213, etc.) (Cf. BB. DD. under the word Topical Lexicon Imagery and Physical Characteristics The term denotes a small heap of glowing charcoal—fuel that burns hot, clean, and relatively smokeless. In the first-century Near East, such fires were common for cooking and for warding off the night chill, especially in courtyards or along the shore where open flames would otherwise be extinguished by wind. Occurrences in Scripture 1. John 18:18: “Now the servants and guards were standing around a charcoal fire they had made to keep warm. And Peter was standing with them, warming himself.” Narrative Function in John’s Gospel John places the only two New Testament references to this specific fire in scenes that frame Simon Peter’s denial and restoration: The mirrored setting suggests intentional literary design, emphasizing grace that meets failure in the very environment where failure occurred. Historical and Cultural Context Charcoal fires were prized for controlled heat. Unlike open wood flames, they produced minimal smoke, allowing their use indoors or in semi-enclosed spaces such as the high priest’s courtyard. Fishing communities, such as those around the Sea of Galilee, used charcoal to cook the morning catch quickly, explaining the seaside breakfast in John 21. Theological Significance 1. Covenant Renewal: The second charcoal fire becomes a covenant table. Jesus’ thrice-repeated question, “Do you love Me?” parallels Peter’s thrice-spoken denial, underscoring forgiveness, reinstatement, and commissioning (“Feed My sheep,” John 21:17). Ministry Insights • Pastoral Restoration: Leaders who fall may be restored in the very sphere of their collapse when they encounter the risen Christ’s probing yet gracious questions. Practical Application • Self-Examination: Believers are invited to consider what “courtyard fires” they frequent and whether those settings foster faith or fear. Related Biblical Motifs • Isaiah’s cleansing coal (Isaiah 6:6-7) – Purifying touch that equips for mission. Devotional Reflection The charcoal fire that once witnessed denial later becomes the hearth of restoration. In Christ, places of deepest shame can become settings of renewed calling, proving His ability to turn cold hearts into burning witnesses. Forms and Transliterations ανθρακιαν ανθρακιάν ανθρακίαν ἀνθρακιὰν anthrakian anthrakiànLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance John 18:18 N-AFSGRK: οἱ ὑπηρέται ἀνθρακιὰν πεποιηκότες ὅτι NAS: [there], having made a charcoal fire, for it was cold KJV: who had made a fire of coals; for INT: the officers a fire of coals having made for John 21:9 N-AFS |
    |