Pronunciation Guide: anth-raks (ἄνθραξ)

Basic Definition

Strong’s G440: A burning coal, charcoal, or ember. In biblical usage, ἄνθραξ refers specifically to live, glowing coals rather than cold or extinguished ones. This term carries profound metaphorical significance in both literal and spiritual contexts, often symbolizing divine purification and transformative judgment.

Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (masculine)
• Classical Greek origin
• Used in narrative and prophetic literature
• Related to verb form ἀνθρακίζω (anthrakizō) meaning “to burn to coal”
• Found in both literal and metaphorical contexts

ἄνθραξ Morphology:

• ἄνθραξ (nominative singular) – a coal
• ἄνθρακος (genitive singular) – of a coal
• ἄνθρακι (dative singular) – with/by a coal
• ἄνθρακες (nominative plural) – coals
• ἀνθράκων (genitive plural) – of coals

Origin & History

The term ἄνθραξ has a rich history in classical Greek literature, where it was commonly used to describe burning coals used for heating, cooking, and metalworking. In Theophrastus’s “On Stones” (4th century BCE), he discusses ἄνθραξ in relation to precious stones and minerals, particularly those with a fiery appearance.

In the Septuagint, ἄνθραξ appears notably in prophetic literature, especially in Isaiah’s vision (Isaiah 6:6) where it symbolizes divine purification. The early church father Origen, in his “Commentary on John,” uses ἄνθραξ metaphorically to describe the purifying power of God’s Word.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A burning or glowing coal
• A precious stone (carbuncle or ruby)
• A source of intense heat used for purification
• A metaphor for divine judgment and cleansing

ἄνθραξ Translation Options:

• “Burning coals” – Most common in contexts of literal fire or metaphorical purification
• “Live coals” – Emphasizing the active, burning state
• “Embers” – When describing smoldering coals
• “Carbuncle” – In contexts referring to precious stones (though less common in biblical usage)

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἄνθραξ appears most notably in Romans 12:20, where Paul quotes from Proverbs 25:21-22. The metaphor of heaping burning coals on someone’s head comes from an ancient Egyptian practice of carrying a pan of burning coals on one’s head as a sign of repentance.

The Septuagint uses ἄνθραξ in several significant passages:

• “Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a burning coal [ἄνθραξ] in his hand.” Isaiah 6:6
• “His throne was flames of fire, its wheels were burning fire [ἄνθρακες].” Daniel 7:9
• “You will heap burning coals [ἄνθρακας] on his head.” Proverbs 25:22

Cultural Insights

In ancient Middle Eastern culture, coals and fire played a central role in daily life and religious ritual. The practice of carrying coals in a pan on one’s head, referenced in Proverbs 25:22 and Romans 12:20, was a known Egyptian custom symbolizing deep remorse and repentance. This act demonstrated the burden of shame and conviction one felt when confronted with unexpected kindness from an enemy.

The purifying properties of fire, particularly in metalworking, would have been well understood by the original audience. Blacksmiths used ἄνθρακες (burning coals) to refine precious metals, separating impurities from gold and silver. This imagery powerfully illustrated God’s purifying work in the lives of His people.

Theological Significance

The use of ἄνθραξ in Scripture reveals profound theological truths about God’s character and His work in believers’ lives. In Isaiah’s vision (Isaiah 6:6-7), the burning coal touching his lips symbolizes divine purification and cleansing from sin, highlighting God’s gracious initiative in preparing His servants for ministry. This purification is not merely symbolic but transforms the prophet’s very being, enabling him to speak God’s words with authority.

The metaphor of heaping burning coals in Romans 12:20 demonstrates the transformative power of divine love expressed through human kindness. Rather than suggesting revenge, this imagery illustrates how responding to evil with good can lead to the conviction of sin and potential restoration of relationships. It reveals God’s heart for redemption rather than retribution.

Personal Application

Understanding ἄνθραξ challenges us to consider how we respond to those who wrong us. When we choose to show kindness to our enemies, we participate in God’s redemptive work, potentially bringing about conviction that leads to repentance. This requires us to trust in God’s justice while extending His mercy.

Moreover, the purifying nature of ἄνθραξ reminds us that God’s refining work in our lives, though sometimes uncomfortable, is always purposeful. Just as a blacksmith uses coals to purify precious metals, our heavenly Father uses trials and challenges to purify our faith and character.

Related Words

• πῦρ (pur) – fire, pronounced “poor” – The general term for fire, while ἄνθραξ specifically refers to burning coals. See G4442
• φλόξ (phlox) – flame, pronounced “flocks” – Describes the visible manifestation of fire, often used in contexts of divine presence. See G5395
• καίω (kaio) – to burn, pronounced “kai-oh” – The verb describing the action of burning, often used with ἄνθραξ. See G2545
• πυρόω (puroo) – to burn with fire, pronounced “pu-ro-oh” – Describes the process of refining by fire, sharing the metaphorical significance of ἄνθραξ. See G4448

Did you Know?

• The English word “anthrax” derives from ἄνθραξ, named so because the disease causes black, coal-like skin lesions. This etymology reveals how the ancient meaning of “coal-black” influenced modern medical terminology.
• In ancient jewelry making, the term ἄνθραξ was also used to describe deep red garnets and rubies, likely due to their resemblance to glowing coals. This dual meaning enriches our understanding of the word’s use in descriptions of precious stones in biblical literature.
• The practice of carrying coals on one’s head, referenced in Proverbs and Romans, may also have connections to ancient Egyptian purification rituals where repentant individuals would carry vessels of burning incense on their heads as they approached their deities.

Remember This

ἄνθραξ reminds us that God’s purifying work, though sometimes painful, always aims at transformation and redemption, turning the coals of conviction into the precious gems of godly character.