Lexical Summary phialé: Bowl, vial Original Word: φιάλη Strong's Exhaustive Concordance cup, bowl, vialOf uncertain affinity; a broad shallow cup ("phial") -- vial. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition a (shallow) bowl NASB Translation bowl (7), bowls (5). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5357: φιάληφιάλη, φιαλης, ἡ, from Homer down, the Sept. for מִזְרָק, a broad, shallow bowl, deep saucer (Dict. of Antiq. under the word Patera; B. D. American edition under the word, Vial): Revelation 5:8; Revelation 15:7; Revelation 16:1-4, 8, 10, 12, 17; Revelation 17:1; Revelation 21:9. Topical Lexicon Old Testament BackgroundAlthough φιάλη never appears in the Hebrew text, the Septuagint uses it for various Temple vessels (for example, Numbers 7:84; 1 Kings 7:50), translating Hebrew terms for shallow basins used to receive sacrificial blood or to present incense and drink offerings. Such bowls were fashioned of gold or bronze, designed for holy service, and closely associated with the altar. This cultic lineage provides the conceptual bridge that Revelation employs, linking the heavenly sanctuary with the earthly Tabernacle pattern given to Moses. Cultic and Liturgical Use In Revelation 5:8 the twenty-four elders hold “golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints”. Here φιάλη symbolizes priestly ministry. The incense echoes Exodus 30:34-38, where fragrant composition rises before God as a pleasing aroma, conveying acceptability and intercession. The elders act as heavenly priests, presenting corporate prayer. Thus every believer’s petition is gathered, sanctified, and offered in the presence of the Lamb, underscoring the priesthood of all saints and assuring worshipers that no prayer is lost. Apocalyptic Function in Revelation From Revelation 15:7 through 16:17 the term shifts from bowls of prayer to bowls of wrath. Seven angels receive “seven golden bowls filled with the wrath of God” (Revelation 15:7). The sequence unfolds as follows: 1. Revelation 16:2 – Bowl on the earth: malignant sores. These judgments parallel the Exodus plagues, yet expand them to global scale, announcing the final deliverance of God’s people and vindicating divine holiness. The bowls are poured out rapidly, indicating uncompromised, consummate justice. Symbolic Significance of Judgment and Prayer The same vessel form carries both incense and wrath, highlighting a moral symmetry: prayers ascend; judgments descend. God responds to the cries of the oppressed (Revelation 6:10) by overturning evil powers. The imagery confirms Scripture’s consistent testimony that divine patience has a determined limit (Romans 2:4-6). By employing a liturgical object for punitive acts, the Apocalypse reveals that judgment itself is a priestly function executed from the sanctuary, not arbitrary hostility. Christological and Eschatological Implications All bowl activity occurs in the presence of the Lamb (Revelation 5:8) or at His command (Revelation 16:1). Therefore Jesus Christ is both recipient of worship and executor of wrath. This unites His roles as High Priest and King, fulfilling Psalm 2 and foreshadowing the final marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 21:9, where one of the angels with a bowl introduces John to the Bride). The bowls thus move redemptive history toward the new heaven and new earth where no temple is needed (Revelation 21:22). Practical Ministry Applications 1. Intercession: Revelation 5:8 encourages corporate and persistent prayer, reminding believers that their supplications participate in heavenly liturgy and hasten God’s purposes (2 Peter 3:12). Intertextual Connections • Exodus 25–30 – Priestly vessels and incense. Summary of New Testament Occurrences Revelation 5:8; 15:7; 16:1-17 (seven references); 17:1; 21:9. Twelve occurrences in total, each reinforcing the movement from prayerful worship to consummate judgment and, finally, to eschatological blessing. Forms and Transliterations φιάλαι φιαλας φιάλας φιάλη φιαλην φιάλην φιαλών phialas phiálas phialen phialēn phiálen phiálēnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Revelation 5:8 N-AFPGRK: κιθάραν καὶ φιάλας χρυσᾶς γεμούσας NAS: and golden bowls full KJV: and golden vials full of odours, INT: harps and bowls golden full Revelation 15:7 N-AFP Revelation 16:1 N-AFP Revelation 16:2 N-AFS Revelation 16:3 N-AFS Revelation 16:4 N-AFS Revelation 16:8 N-AFS Revelation 16:10 N-AFS Revelation 16:12 N-AFS Revelation 16:17 N-AFS Revelation 17:1 N-AFP Revelation 21:9 N-AFP Strong's Greek 5357 |
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