The Greek noun ἀνθρακιά (anthracia) primarily means “charcoal.” It refers to the black, carbon-rich substance obtained by burning wood or other organic materials. Charcoal is used for various purposes, including heating and cooking. In a broader sense, the term can sometimes be used metaphorically to denote something dark or sooty.

Detailed Overview

According to Strong’s Concordance, ἀνθρακιά (G439) is used specifically to denote “charcoal.” It is a substance made from carbonized organic material, typically wood, and used in ancient times for heating and cooking.

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The Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich (BDAG) Greek-English Lexicon provides a similar definition, noting that ἀνθρακιά refers to charcoal or carbonized material. BDAG may also point out its use in specific contexts within ancient Greek literature and texts, emphasizing its practical applications in daily life and its metaphorical connotations.

The Liddell-Scott-Jones (LSJ) Greek-English Lexicon defines ἀνθρακιά as “charcoal,” reinforcing its use in practical contexts such as fuel. LSJ does not elaborate much on metaphorical uses but confirms the term’s primary association with the substance used for heating and cooking.

In summary, ἀνθρακιά primarily means “charcoal,” referring to the carbon-rich substance used for heating and cooking. This definition is consistent across Strong’s Concordance, BDAG, and LSJ, with a focus on its practical applications and, potentially, its metaphorical uses in ancient Greek texts.