ἀνθρακιά (anthrakia)
anthrakia
charcoal fire
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun anthrakia refers specifically to a charcoal fire or a heap of burning coals. Unlike general terms for flame, this word describes the fuel source itself—the glowing embers that provide heat and light in the ancient world.
In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both in the Gospel of John. It sets the scene in John 18:18, where Peter stands by a charcoal fire to keep warm during his denial of Jesus, and again in John 21:9, where the risen Christ prepares fish on a similar fire by the Sea of Galilee.
The word derives from anthrax, meaning coal or ember. Its repeated use in these specific narrative moments highlights its role as a tangible element of daily life, grounding the theological events in physical reality.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word anthrakia points to a charcoal fire, specifically the glowing embers that provided heat in the ancient world. It appears twice in John’s Gospel, anchoring spiritual moments in physical reality. In John 18:18, Peter stands by this fire while denying Jesus, his human fear contrasting with the warmth of the coals. Later, in John 21:9, the risen Christ prepares breakfast on a similar fire, offering restoration and fellowship.
This simple image reminds us that God meets us in our everyday circumstances. Whether we are experiencing failure or seeking renewal, the presence of Christ is tangible. The charcoal fire symbolizes both the coldness of isolation and the warmth of grace. It invites us to trust that He provides comfort and sustenance in every season of life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a fire of coals2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἀνθρακιὰν2×
Key Verses
-
John 18:18
Now the servants and the officers were standing there, having made a fire of coals, for it was cold. They were warming themselves. Peter was with them, standing and warming himself.
The charcoal fire sets a scene of coldness and fear, highlighting Peter's isolation as he denies Jesus.
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John 21:9
So when they got out on the land, they saw a fire of coals there, with fish and bread laid on it.
The risen Christ uses the same type of fire to prepare food, signaling restoration and intimate fellowship with His disciples.