φλόξ (phlox)
phlox
flame
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun phlox refers simply to a flame or fire. It appears in six verses across the New Testament, often describing literal flames or metaphorical burning intensity. The sources note its frequent use in Luke, Acts, Thessalonians, Hebrews, and Revelation.
Its meaning is concrete: a visible, bright fire. In Luke 16:24, Abraham’s servant asks for relief from the “flame” of Hades. In Acts 7:30, Moses sees the bush burning with a flame that does not consume it. Hebrews 1:7 quotes Psalm 104, calling God’s angels “a flame of fire.” Revelation uses the image repeatedly: Christ’s eyes are like a flame (Rev 1:14; 2:18), and His robe is dipped in blood as He treads the winepress (Rev 19:12).
The word comes from phlegō, meaning “to flash” or “to flame.” This root suggests sudden brightness rather than slow burning. Translators usually keep it as “flame,” preserving its visual force. The term carries no abstract theological baggage beyond what the context provides — it is fire, vivid and present.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word phlox simply means a visible, bright flame. It appears in six New Testament verses to describe literal fire or intense light. In Luke 16:24, it describes the anguish of a flame in Hades. In Acts 7:30, Moses sees a bush burning with such a flame that it does not consume it.
This word reminds us that God’s presence is real and powerful. Hebrews 1:7 says God makes His angels a flame of fire. Revelation shows Christ with eyes like a flame, showing He sees all things clearly. The image is vivid and immediate, not abstract.
When you read about this flame, remember it points to God’s holiness and power. It is a reminder that He is present in our lives, seeing us and guiding us. This concrete image helps us trust in His clear sight and protective care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a flame4×
- flame1×
- a flame;1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- φλὸξ2×
- φλογὶ2×
- φλόγα·1×
- φλόγα1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 16:24
He cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue! For I am in anguish in this flame.’
This verse uses phlox to describe the immediate, physical anguish of a flame in Hades, contrasting sharply with Abraham's comfort.
-
Acts 7:30
“When forty years were fulfilled, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush.
Here the word highlights the miraculous nature of the burning bush, where a flame of fire burns without consuming the wood.
-
Hebrews 1:7
Of the angels he says, “He makes his angels winds, and his servants a flame of fire.”
The author uses this term to describe angels as a flame of fire, emphasizing their role as powerful servants of God.
-
Revelation of John 1:14
His head and his hair were white as white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire.
Christ’s eyes are compared to a flame of fire, symbolizing His all-seeing knowledge and pure judgment.