φιάλη (phialē)
phialē
bowl
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun phialē refers to a broad, shallow bowl, often described as a deep saucer. In the ancient world, this vessel was commonly used for pouring liquid offerings, such as wine or oil, during religious rituals. The word appears twelve times in the New Testament, with nearly all occurrences found in the Book of Revelation.
Its presence there carries significant symbolic weight. John uses phialai to hold the bowls of God’s wrath, which are poured out upon the earth and its inhabitants (Revelation 16:1-21). This imagery connects the vessel to a solemn act of divine judgment rather than a celebratory libation. The text specifies that these bowls contain “plagues” or judgments, emphasizing their serious purpose.
The term likely derives from a root meaning related to pouring or offering. While its exact etymology remains uncertain, its function in Scripture is clear: it is an instrument for dispensing what is contained within it. In Revelation, the phialē serves as the vessel through which God’s final judgments are executed, marking a pivotal moment in the narrative of redemption and justice.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
In Revelation, a bowl (phialē) is more than a simple vessel; it represents something held in trust and destined to be released. We see this in two distinct ways. First, the elders hold golden bowls filled with incense, which are explicitly identified as the prayers of God’s people. This image suggests that our cries for help and worship are gathered up by heaven, precious and complete, before they are presented before the throne.
Second, these same types of vessels hold the bowls of God’s wrath poured out in judgment. While this imagery is solemn, it assures us that injustice will not go unanswered and that God’s justice will ultimately prevail over evil. The contrast between the prayers of saints and the judgments of God highlights a reality where every tear and every act of wrong are known and addressed by a righteous Creator.
For your daily life, this word offers comfort in two directions. When you feel unheard, remember that your prayers are like incense—visible and valued before God. When you see suffering or unfairness in the world, rest in the assurance that God sees it all and will bring about a final resolution. You do not need to carry the burden of ultimate justice yourself; it is entrusted to Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- bowl7×
- bowls5×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φιάλην7×
- φιάλας5×
Key Verses
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Revelation of John 5:8
Now when he had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.
This verse uniquely identifies the incense in the bowls as the prayers of the saints, linking a physical vessel directly to spiritual intercession.
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Revelation of John 16:1
I heard a loud voice out of the temple, saying to the seven angels, “Go and pour out the seven bowls of the wrath of God on the earth!”
The command to pour out these specific bowls marks the beginning of the final series of judgments, showing the bowl as an instrument of divine action.
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Revelation of John 16:17
The seventh poured out his bowl into the air. A loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, “It is done!”
The seventh bowl’s pouring into the air concludes the sequence with the declaration 'It is done,' emphasizing the finality of God's judicial work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word phialē mean?
Why are there two different uses of bowls in Revelation?
How is phialē different from other words for cup or bowl?
Every Occurrence (12 verses across 1 books)
Revelation of John 12 verses
Now when he had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each…
Revelation of John 15:7One of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God, who lives…
Revelation of John 16:1I heard a loud voice out of the temple, saying to the seven angels, “Go and pour out the seven bowls of the wrath of…
Revelation of John 16:2The first went, and poured out his bowl into the earth, and it became a harmful and painful sore on the people who had…
Revelation of John 16:3The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it became blood as of a dead man. Every living thing in the sea…
Revelation of John 16:4The third poured out his bowl into the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood.
Revelation of John 16:8The fourth poured out his bowl on the sun, and it was given to him to scorch men with fire.
Revelation of John 16:10The fifth poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom was darkened. They gnawed their tongues…
Revelation of John 16:12The sixth poured out his bowl on the great river, the Euphrates. Its water was dried up, that the way might be prepared…
Revelation of John 16:17The seventh poured out his bowl into the air. A loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying,…
Revelation of John 17:1One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and spoke with me, saying, “Come here. I will show you the…
Revelation of John 21:9One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls which were loaded with the seven last plagues came, and he spoke with…