440. anthrax

Lexicon

anthrax: Coal, burning coal, charcoal

Original Word: ἄνθραξ
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: anthrax
Pronunciation: AN-thraks
Phonetic Spelling: (anth'-rax)
Definition: Coal, burning coal, charcoal
Meaning: coal, charcoal, a burning coal.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

coal of fire.

Of uncertain derivation; a live coal -- coal of fire.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
a prim. word
Definition
coal, charcoal
NASB Translation
coals (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 440: ἄνθραξ

ἄνθραξ, ἄνθρακος, ὁ, coal (also, from Thucydides and Aristophanes down, ἄνθραξ πυρός a coal of fire i. e. a burning or a live coal), live coal; Romans 12:20 ἄνθρακας πυρός σωρεύειν ἐπί τήν κεφαλήν τίνος, a proverbial expression, from Proverbs 25:22, signifying to call up, by the favors you confer on your enemy, the memory in him of the wrong he has done you (which shall pain him as if live coals were heaped on his head), that he may the more readily repent. The Arabians call things that cause very acute mental pain burning coals of the heart and fire in the liver; cf. Gesenius in Rosenmüller's Biblical-exeg. Repert. i., p. 140f (or in his Thesaurus i. 280; cf. also BB. DD. under the word ).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from a root word meaning "to glow" or "to burn."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The concept of burning coals is paralleled in the Hebrew Scriptures with words such as גַּחֶלֶת (gachelet • Strong's Hebrew 1513), which also refers to a burning coal or ember. This term is used in similar contexts, emphasizing purification and divine presence, as seen in passages like Isaiah 6:6 and Proverbs 25:22.

Usage: The term ἄνθραξ is used in the New Testament to describe a burning coal or ember, often in a metaphorical sense to convey the idea of burning or glowing with intensity.

Context: The Greek word ἄνθραξ appears in the New Testament in contexts that evoke imagery of burning coals. This term is notably used in Romans 12:20, where the Apostle Paul, quoting Proverbs 25:21-22, instructs believers on the principle of overcoming evil with good. The passage reads: "On the contrary, 'If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.'" (BSB). Here, ἄνθραξ symbolizes the transformative and convicting power of kindness and love, which can lead to repentance and reconciliation.

The imagery of burning coals is rich in biblical symbolism, often associated with purification, judgment, and the presence of God. In the Old Testament, burning coals are frequently mentioned in the context of divine encounters and purification processes, such as in Isaiah 6:6-7, where a seraphim touches Isaiah's lips with a live coal to purify him.

In the New Testament, the metaphorical use of ἄνθραξ underscores the moral and spiritual impact of righteous actions. By responding to hostility with kindness, believers reflect the character of Christ and potentially lead others to a change of heart. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of overcoming evil with good and the transformative power of love.

Forms and Transliterations

άνθρακα άνθρακά ανθρακας άνθρακας ἄνθρακας άνθρακες άνθρακος ανθράκων άνθραξ άνθραξι anthrakas ánthrakas

Englishman's Concordance

Romans 12:20 N-AMP
GRK: γὰρ ποιῶν ἄνθρακας πυρὸς σωρεύσεις
NAS: BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.
KJV: doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on
INT: for doing coals of fire you will heap

Strong's Greek 440
1 Occurrence

ἄνθρακας — 1 Occ.