Fierce Flames: φλόξ (Strong’s G5395: phlox) Illuminates Divine Judgment’s Reality

Strong’s G5395: From a primary φλέγω (to ‘flash’ or ‘flame’); a blaze, flame – derived from Indo-European roots meaning “to shine, flash.” In biblical usage, it particularly denotes divine manifestation through fire, emphasizing both judgment and purification aspects of God’s presence.

U- Unveiling the Word

The word φλόξ (phlox) carries profound theological significance in biblical literature, representing more than just physical fire. It embodies divine presence, judgment, and purification. In the New Testament, it appears particularly in contexts of divine judgment, carrying forward the Old Testament imagery of God as a consuming fire. The early church understood φλόξ as a manifestation of divine power, particularly in contexts of God’s judgment and purifying presence. This understanding remains relevant today as we contemplate the dual nature of divine fire – both as judgment for those who reject the Messiah and as purification for believers. The word reminds us of God’s holiness and the transformative power of His presence.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: φλόξ, phlox, /floks/
• Pronunciation Guide: fl (as in “floor”) + oks (as in “box”)
• Part of Speech: Noun (feminine)

Etymology:

• Root: φλέγω (phlegō) – to burn, flash
• Derivation through ablaut variation of the Indo-European root *bhleg- (to shine, flash, burn)
• The -ξ (-x) suffix forms a feminine noun indicating the result or manifestation of the action

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meaning: flame, blaze
• Secondary meanings: divine fire, manifestation of judgment
• Metaphorical: purifying presence, divine manifestation

For compound words: Not applicable as φλόξ is a simple noun derived from a verbal root

Translation Options:

• “flame” – captures the basic physical meaning
• “blaze” – emphasizes the intensity and consuming nature
• “fiery flame” – highlights both the substance and its characteristic

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πῦρ (pur, /poor/) – more general term for fire – See G4442
• καῦσις (kausis, /kow’-sis/) – burning, more focused on the process – See G2740
• φλογίζω (phlogizō, /flog-id’-zo/) – to set on fire, inflame – See G5394

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Declines in all cases (Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative)
• Number: Singular and Plural forms
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: Third declension

Examples:

• Nominative: φλόξ (phlox)
• Genitive: φλογός (phlogos)
• Dative: φλογί (phlogi)
• Accusative: φλόγα (phloga)

Cross-references: Related verb φλέγω (phlegō)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide rich insights into φλόξ. BDAG emphasizes its use in contexts of divine judgment and manifestation. Thayer’s highlights its connection to theophany and divine presence. LSJ provides extensive classical usage examples showing its development from physical flame to metaphorical applications. Vine’s notes its significance in apocalyptic literature. Strong’s connects it to the concept of divine presence. LEH emphasizes its use in the Septuagint for divine manifestations. Moulton and Milligan provide papyri evidence showing its common usage in everyday contexts involving fire, while maintaining its special theological significance in religious texts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this [φλόξ] flame.” Luke 16:24

Additional References:
2 Thessalonians 1:8
Hebrews 1:7
Revelation 1:14
Revelation 2:18
Revelation 19:12

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word φλόξ serves as a powerful reminder of both God’s judgment and His purifying presence. Its usage in the New Testament particularly emphasizes the reality of divine judgment while also pointing to the transformative power of God’s presence. This dual nature of φλόξ beautifully illustrates the gospel message – while judgment awaits those who reject the Messiah, His purifying presence offers hope and transformation to all who believe. The good news is that through faith in King Jesus, we need not fear the consuming flame of judgment but can embrace the purifying flame of His presence.

D – Did You Know?

1. φλόξ appears in ancient medical texts describing fever symptoms
2. Early church fathers used φλόξ in descriptions of Pentecost
3. The word influenced English terms like “phlogiston” (obsolete theory of fire)

Strong’s G5395: From a primary φλέγω (to ‘flash’ or ‘flame’); a blaze, flame – derived from Indo-European roots meaning “to shine, flash.” In biblical usage, it particularly denotes divine manifestation through fire, emphasizing both judgment and purification aspects of God’s presence.

Part of speech: Noun (feminine)

Tags: fire, flame, judgment, divine presence, purification, theophany, apocalyptic, wrath, holiness, transformation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​