φλογίζω (phlogizō)
phlogizō
to kindle
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb phlogizō means to set something on fire or ignite it. It describes the active process of starting a flame, rather than the state of being already burning. In the Old Testament Greek translation, it appears in passages describing literal fires, such as the flames in Psalm 97:3.
In the New Testament, this word appears only once, in James 3:6. Here it is used figuratively to describe the tongue. The text says the tongue is a fire that can set the whole course of life ablaze. This usage highlights the destructive power of careless speech, suggesting it has the potential to cause widespread damage.
The word comes from phlox, meaning flame. Its rarity in Scripture makes its single appearance in James particularly striking. Translators usually render it as "set on fire" or "kindled," capturing the idea that the tongue initiates a chain reaction of destruction. This image emphasizes how a small spark can lead to significant consequences.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word phlogizō describes the act of kindling a flame. It captures that initial moment when a spark catches dry tinder and fire begins to spread. In Scripture, this vivid image appears in James 3:6 to describe the tongue. The text warns that our speech can set the entire course of life ablaze, turning a small utterance into widespread damage.
This imagery reminds us that words carry real weight. A careless remark can ignite conflict, hurt relationships, or spread falsehoods far beyond what we intended. Yet this warning is not meant to silence us but to steward our speech with care. Recognizing the power of our words invites us to pause before speaking, choosing kindness over haste.
Understanding this word helps us see how small actions have large consequences. It calls us to be mindful of the sparks we release into the world around us. By guarding our tongues, we protect our communities and reflect a heart aligned with wisdom.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- setting on fire1×
- being set on fire1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φλογίζουσα1×
- φλογιζομένη1×
Key Verses
-
James 3:6
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.
This is the only New Testament occurrence where phlogizō describes the tongue setting the course of life on fire, highlighting the destructive potential of careless speech.