ἄνθραξ
a coal
Definition
ἄνθραξ refers to a piece of burning coal or charcoal. In the New Testament, it specifically denotes a live, glowing coal used for heating or cooking, not merely a lump of mineral coal. Its sole biblical use in Romans 12:20 metaphorically describes heaping 'burning coals' on an enemy's head as an act of kindness, drawing from Proverbs 25:21-22 in the Septuagint. The imagery emphasizes the transformative, potentially shame-inducing power of returning good for evil.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only once in the New Testament, in Romans 12:20. Paul quotes the Greek Old Testament (Proverbs 25:21-22) directly, using the phrase 'heap burning coals on his head.' The usage is entirely proverbial and metaphorical, not literal. It appears in a context instructing believers on how to treat enemies with unexpected kindness.
Etymology
The word ἄνθραξ is a native Greek noun. It is not derived from the prefix ἀ- (meaning 'not') as sometimes mistakenly suggested. It is related to the word for the disease 'anthrax,' due to the black, coal-like sores it causes. The meaning is straightforward, referring to a burning charcoal ember.
Semantic Range
Theologically, this word is significant for its role in a key ethical teaching. The metaphor of 'heaping burning coals' in Romans 12:20 is not about revenge but about potentially awakening an enemy's conscience through overwhelming, disarming kindness. It illustrates the New Testament principle of overcoming evil with good (Romans 12:21), showing how love can convict and transform an adversary. Understanding this metaphor enriches the reader's grasp of proactive, redemptive love.
In the ancient world, coals (charcoal) were carried in a pan or container on the head for domestic use, such as for heating or cooking. The proverbial image of placing coals on someone's head likely originates from this practice, symbolizing an act that causes intense discomfort, shame, or conviction. It differs from a modern reader's likely association with punishment or literal burning, focusing more on the psychological and moral effect of the gesture.
None directly synonymous in the NT. For 'fire,' see: πῦρ (pyr, G4442) — a general term for fire, not a specific coal.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Dodson Greek-English Lexicon, a concise public-domain resource suitable for introductory word study. Brief glosses are supplemented by STEPBible TBESG data (CC BY 4.0). For advanced research, standard scholarly references include BDAG (Danker, 3rd ed.) and LSJ.
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