φλογίζω
phlogizō
to kindle
Lexicon Entry
Lexicon data from STEPBible TIPNR, Tyndale House, Cambridge. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
What Original Readers Understood
ExploredThe Greek word φλογίζω (phlogizō) means "to kindle". This verb is involved in the semantic domain of Light & Darkness, suggesting a connection to fire, flames, or sparks. The two occurrences of this word in the Bible indicate its limited but specific usage. Given its definition, φλογίζω likely refers to the act of igniting or setting something ablaze. This could involve physical flames, but it's also possible that the word is used metaphorically to describe the ignition of emotions, passions, or ideas. The limited occurrences of this word in the Bible suggest that it's a specialized term, used in specific contexts to convey a particular idea or image. The significance of φλογίζω lies in its association with the contrast between light and darkness. Fire is often seen as a symbol of light, warmth, and energy, while darkness represents the absence of these qualities. By using φλογίζω, the writer may be highlighting the transformative power of ignition, whether literal or metaphorical, and its impact on the world around us.
Source data & methodology
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences across the text
And the tongue is a fire. The world of iniquity among our members is the tongue, which defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature, and is set on fire by Gehenna.
James 3:6And the tongue is a fire. The world of iniquity among our members is the tongue, which defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature, and is set on fire by Gehenna.