Lexical Summary phlogizó from NG5395: To set on fire, to inflame Original Word: φλογίζω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance set on fire. From phlox; to cause a blaze, i.e. Ignite (figuratively, to inflame with passion) -- set on fire. see GREEK phlox NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originto set on fire, burn NASB Translation set on fire (1), sets on fire (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5394: φλογίζωφλογίζω; (φλόξ, which see); to ignite, set on fire (Sir. 3:30; Exodus 9:24; Psalm 96:3 Topical Lexicon Biblical Usage The verb φλογίζω occurs twice in the New Testament, both within James 3:6, describing the tongue’s ability to “set the course of one’s life on fire” and to be “set on fire by hell”. James employs the imagery of literal combustion to portray spiritual and moral devastation. The participle φλογίζουσα pictures the tongue actively igniting a chain reaction, while φλογιζομένη depicts the same tongue being inflamed by an outside source—Gehenna—underscoring both human responsibility and demonic influence. Old Testament Background Though φλογίζω itself is not found in the Septuagint, its root idea of consuming flame pervades the Hebrew Scriptures. Fire symbolizes both judgment (Deuteronomy 4:24) and purification (Malachi 3:2-3). James draws on this dual tradition: the tongue can judge and destroy, yet, when sanctified, speech may also refine and purify (Proverbs 25:11). Theological Significance 1. Origin of Destructive Speech: James ties the tongue’s incendiary power to “hell,” highlighting sin’s ultimate source and the cosmic conflict underlying careless words. Historical and Cultural Setting In the first-century Greco-Roman world, rhetoric carried enormous weight. Teachers and orators shaped public life. James—writing to Jewish believers scattered abroad—warns that the privileged position of teachers (James 3:1) must be matched by disciplined tongues. His use of φλογίζω would resonate with contemporaries accustomed to the destructive potential of inflammatory speech in political and synagogue settings. Practical Ministry Implications 1. Teaching and Preaching: Those who handle Scripture must recognize the combustible nature of words. Sound doctrine delivered harshly can still scorch. Related Concepts in Scripture • Slander (1 Peter 2:1) and gossip (2 Corinthians 12:20) are practical outworkings of φλογίζω’s imagery. Illustrative Examples • Korah’s rebellion (Numbers 16) began with incendiary words challenging Moses’ authority; literal fire later judged the rebels, embodying James’s principle. Application for Today Modern platforms amplify φλογίζω’s force. Social media, pulpit, and classroom all host tongues capable of ignition. Believers are called to: 1. Submit speech to Christ’s lordship daily. In an age of verbal wildfire, the biblical warning attached to Strong’s 5394 remains vital, steering disciples toward speech aflame with truth, love, and the refining presence of God rather than the destructive spark of hell. Forms and Transliterations εφλόγισε εφλογίσθη φλογιεί φλογιζομενη φλογιζομένη φλογίζομενη φλογίζον φλογιζουσα φλογίζουσα φλογίνην phlogizomene phlogizomenē phlogizoméne phlogizoménē phlogizousa phlogízousaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance James 3:6 V-PPA-NFSGRK: σῶμα καὶ φλογίζουσα τὸν τροχὸν NAS: body, and sets on fire KJV: and setteth on fire the course INT: body and setting on fire the course James 3:6 V-PPM/P-NFS Strong's Greek 5394 |
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