Fiery Destruction: φλογίζω (Strong’s G5394: phlogizō) Ignites Devastating Consequences

Strong’s G5394: From φλόξ (phlox); to set on fire, kindle, inflame. Used metaphorically to describe the destructive power of the tongue and its ability to cause widespread damage, particularly in spiritual and relational contexts.

U – Unveiling the Word

The Greek word φλογίζω (phlogizō) carries profound theological weight in its portrayal of destructive power. As a derivative of φλόξ (flame), it literally means “to set ablaze” or “to ignite,” but its usage in the New Testament transcends mere physical burning. In James 3:6, it illustrates the devastating potential of human speech to corrupt and destroy. The early church fathers frequently employed this term to warn against the dangers of unbridled speech and its capacity to spread spiritual destruction. Today, this word serves as a sobering reminder of our responsibility to use words for edification rather than destruction, highlighting the eternal significance of human communication in the body of the Messiah.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: φλογίζω, phlogizō, flo-GID-zo
• Pronunciation: /floʊˈgɪdzoʊ/ as in “flow-GHID-zoh”
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• φλόξ (phlox) – root meaning “flame”
• -ίζω (-izō) – verbal suffix indicating causative action
• Combined meaning: “to cause to flame” or “to set on fire”

D – Defining Meanings

• To set on fire, kindle
• To inflame (metaphorically)
• To cause devastating destruction

For compound words:
The -ίζω suffix transforms the noun φλόξ (flame) into a causative verb, indicating the action of causing something to become inflamed or set ablaze.

Translation Options:

• “Set ablaze” – captures both literal and metaphorical aspects
• “Inflame” – emphasizes the causative nature
• “Kindle” – reflects the initiating aspect of the destructive process

E – Exploring Similar Words

• καίω (kaiō, KAH-ee-oh) – to burn, consume with fire, differs in emphasizing continuous burning – See G2545
• πυρόω (puroō, poo-RO-oh) – to burn with fire, focuses on the purifying aspect – See G4448
• ἐμπίπρημι (empiprémi, em-PIP-ray-mee) – to set on fire, emphasizes complete destruction – See G1714

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, φλογίζω exhibits these features:

• Tense: Present (continuous action)
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative/Subjunctive
• Person: Third
• Number: Singular
• Aspect: Progressive

The word follows regular -ω conjugation patterns:

• Present: φλογίζω (I set on fire)
• Future: φλογίσω (I will set on fire)
• Aorist: ἐφλόγισα (I set on fire – completed action)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

The major lexicons provide rich insight into φλογίζω’s significance. BDAG emphasizes its metaphorical usage in James, particularly regarding the tongue’s destructive capacity. Thayer’s highlights its connection to the classical Greek concept of devastating fire. LSJ traces its usage in secular literature, noting its frequent appearance in military contexts describing the burning of cities. Vine’s emphasizes the word’s figurative application to moral corruption. Strong’s connects it to the broader word family of flame and fire terminology. LEH notes its usage in the Septuagint for divine judgment. Moulton and Milligan provide papyri evidence of its use in legal contexts describing arson and property destruction.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire [φλογίζω] the course of nature, and it is set on fire of hell.

Additional References:
James 3:6 (appears twice in this verse)

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The word φλογίζω serves as a powerful reminder of the destructive potential inherent in human speech and actions. Its usage in James particularly emphasizes how our words can either build up or destroy the body of the Messiah. This word proclaims the good news by contrast – while our tongues can destroy, through the Holy Spirit’s power, we can speak words of life, truth, and salvation. The Messiah’s redemptive work transforms our speech from instruments of destruction into vessels of grace, demonstrating the transformative power of the Gospel in the most practical aspect of daily life.

D – Did You Know?

1. φλογίζω appears only in James 3:6 in the entire New Testament, but appears twice in this single verse.
2. The word shares its root with the modern English word “phlogiston,” an obsolete scientific term for a hypothetical fire-like element.
3. In ancient Greek medical texts, φλογίζω was used to describe inflammation, connecting physical and metaphorical burning.

Strong’s G5394: From φλόξ (phlox); to set on fire, kindle, inflame. Used metaphorically to describe the destructive power of the tongue and its ability to cause widespread damage, particularly in spiritual and relational contexts.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: fire, destruction, tongue, speech, James, metaphor, warning, judgment, transformation, sanctification, communication, wisdom​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​