### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **phiálē**, represented by `{{G5357}}`, translates to a **broad shallow cup** or "phial." It appears **12 times** across **12 unique verses**, with all occurrences found in the book of Revelation. This concentration highlights its specific role as a symbolic object in end-times prophecy.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G5357}}` serves two distinct but related functions. First, it is depicted as a vessel for worship, where golden **vials** are full of odours which are the **prayers** of the saints [[Revelation 5:8]]. More frequently, however, the **vials** are instruments of divine judgment. Angels are commanded to take these vessels and **pour out** the **wrath** of God upon the earth [[Revelation 16:1]]. These two uses establish the **vial** as a container for things of great spiritual weight, whether holy prayers or holy judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and purpose of the **vials**:
* `{{G2372}}` **thymós** (passion (as if breathing hard):--fierceness, indignation, wrath): This is the substance contained within the **vials** of judgment, representing the righteous **wrath** of God [[Revelation 15:7]].
* `{{G1632}}` **ekchéō** (to pour forth; figuratively, to bestow): This is the action performed by the angels with the **vials**, signifying the deliberate release of divine judgment upon the earth, sea, and sun ([[Revelation 16:2]], [[Revelation 16:3]], [[Revelation 16:8]]).
* `{{G4127}}` **plēgḗ** (a stroke; by implication, a wound; figuratively, a calamity): The seven **vials** are explicitly described as being full of the seven last **plagues** [[Revelation 21:9]].
* `{{G4335}}` **proseuchḗ** (prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)): In a scene of worship, the **vials** hold the **prayers** of the saints, showing their value and remembrance before God [[Revelation 5:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5357}}` is centered on its dual role in the outworking of God's plan.
* **Vessels of Worship:** The image of golden **vials** holding the prayers of the saints demonstrates that the petitions of God's people are treasured and presented as a pleasing offering before the throne [[Revelation 5:8]].
* **Instruments of Judgment:** The **vials** are the delivery mechanism for the final, catastrophic plagues poured out upon the unrepentant. This symbolizes the execution of God's perfect and just wrath against sin [[Revelation 16:1]].
* **Connection of Prayer and Judgment:** The use of the same object, the **vial**, to hold both prayers and wrath suggests a connection. The prayers of the persecuted saints are answered, in part, through the righteous judgment God pours out from the **vials** of His wrath.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5357}}` **phiálē** is far more than a simple cup. Used exclusively in Revelation, it functions as a powerful symbol. It represents a sacred container that holds either the precious **prayers** of the saints destined for God's presence or the fearsome **wrath** of God destined to be poured out upon the earth. This single term encapsulates both intimate worship and final, divine justice.
TRV