Strong's g439

Pronunciation Guide: anth-rak-ee-AH

Basic Definition

Key Information

ἀνθρακιά

Transliteration: anthrakia Part of Speech: noun First Appears: John 18:18 Appears: 2 times

Strong’s Entry

g439

Gloss: anthrakia (anth-rak-ee-ah’) n.1. a bed of burning coals[from G440]KJV: fire of coals Root(s): G440 

Strong’s G439: A charcoal fire or heap of burning coals. This specific term refers to a fire made from charcoal rather than wood, typically used for cooking or warmth. The word carries particular significance in the Gospel narrative as it appears in contexts deeply connected to Peter’s relationship with Jesus.

Etymology and Morphology

• Feminine noun
• Derived from ἄνθραξ (anthrax) meaning “coal”
• Used primarily in narrative passages
• Found in classical Greek literature referring to coal fires used for cooking and heating
• Appears twice in the New Testament, both in significant narrative contexts

ἀνθρακιά Morphology:

• ἀνθρακιά (nominative singular) – a charcoal fire
• ἀνθρακιᾶς (genitive singular) – of a charcoal fire
• ἀνθρακιᾷ (dative singular) – at/by a charcoal fire

Origin & History

The word ἀνθρακιά appears in classical Greek literature as early as the 5th century BCE, where it was commonly used to describe fires made specifically from charcoal rather than wood. In the works of Aristophanes (Peace, 440), it appears in domestic contexts describing cooking fires. The Septuagint uses related terms like ἄνθραξ when describing coal or burning embers, particularly in prophetic literature.

The specific compound form ἀνθρακιά emphasizes not just the coals themselves but the assembled fire or heap of burning coals. This distinction was important in ancient Mediterranean culture where charcoal fires were preferred for certain tasks due to their steady heat and minimal smoke.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A fire made of charcoal, specifically assembled for cooking or heating
• A heap of glowing coals arranged for specific purpose
• A gathering place around a charcoal fire

ἀνθρακιά Translation Options:

• “Charcoal fire” – Most precise translation capturing both the material and purpose
• “Coal fire” – Alternative that maintains the distinction from wood fires
• “Fire of coals” – More literal rendering of the compound concept
• “Brazier” – Contextual translation when emphasizing the contained nature of the fire

Biblical Usage

The word ἀνθρακιά appears only twice in the New Testament, but these occurrences bookend one of the most poignant narratives in Scripture. Its first appearance is in John 18:18, where Peter warms himself by a charcoal fire while denying Jesus. The second occurrence is in John 21:9, where the risen Jesus has prepared a charcoal fire to cook breakfast for His disciples, setting the scene for Peter’s restoration.

These two instances create a powerful literary inclusio that frames Peter’s failure and restoration. The identical setting of the ἀνθρακιά serves as both the location of his deepest shame and his beautiful restoration by the Messiah.

• “Now the servants and officers had made a charcoal fire [ἀνθρακιά], for it was cold, and they were standing and warming themselves.” John 18:18
• “When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire [ἀνθρακιά] in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread.” John 21:9

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Mediterranean world, charcoal fires were particularly significant in urban settings where wood was scarce and expensive. They were preferred over wood fires because they produced intense, consistent heat with minimal smoke – ideal for both cooking and heating. The charcoal was typically made from olive wood or other hardwoods and was a valuable commodity in first-century Jerusalem.

The courtyard setting of Peter’s denial would likely have featured a portable brazier containing the ἀνθρακιά, around which servants and guards would gather for warmth during the cold Jerusalem night. Such fires were common gathering places where people would share news and conversation, making Peter’s presence there both natural and dangerous.

Theological Significance

The Holy Spirit’s inspiration of John to use ἀνθρακιά in both scenes creates a powerful theological connection between Peter’s failure and restoration. The identical setting serves as a divine object lesson in how the Messiah redeems our deepest failures. Just as Peter’s denial occurred around a charcoal fire in darkness, his restoration happens around a charcoal fire at dawn – symbolizing the movement from darkness to light that characterizes all true repentance and restoration.

This careful detail reminds us that Jesus doesn’t simply forgive our sins; He actively works to heal the memories and overcome the shame associated with our failures. The second ἀνθρακιά becomes a place of fellowship with the risen Lord, demonstrating how He transforms places of pain into testimonies of His grace.

Personal Application

When we encounter this word study, we’re reminded that Jesus knows exactly where and how we’ve failed Him, yet He graciously creates opportunities for restoration. Just as He specifically chose a charcoal fire for His breakfast meeting with Peter, He thoughtfully arranges circumstances in our lives to heal our past wounds and restore our relationship with Him.

Consider the “charcoal fires” in your own life – those places or situations that remind you of past failures. The message of ἀνθρακιά is that Jesus can transform these into places of restoration and renewed commission in His service.

Related Words

• πῦρ (pur, “POOR”) – General word for fire or flame, represents more common fires. Differs from ἀνθρακιά in being any type of fire rather than specifically charcoal. See G4442
• καμινος (kaminos, “kam-EE-nos”) – A furnace or oven, represents larger industrial fires rather than the contained cooking fire of ἀνθρακιά. See G2575
• φλόξ (phlox, “floks”) – A flame or blaze, emphasizes the visible flame rather than the coal base of ἀνθρακιά. See G5395

Did you Know?

• The modern word “anthracite,” referring to the highest grade of coal, comes from the same root as ἀνθρακιά, reflecting the ancient understanding of high-quality burning material.
• Archaeological evidence from first-century Jerusalem shows that charcoal was often made in specialized facilities outside the city walls, as the process produced significant smoke. The charcoal would then be sold in markets for domestic use.
• The use of charcoal fires continues in Middle Eastern cuisine today, particularly for grilling meats, maintaining a cultural connection to the type of fire Jesus used to prepare fish for His disciples.

Remember This

ἀνθρακιά reminds us that Jesus doesn’t just forgive our past – He transforms the very places of our failure into testimonies of His restoring grace.