### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
* **Lemma:** φλόξ (phlóx)
* **Transliteration:** phlóx
* **Base Definition:** Derived from a primary verb (unspecified by Strong's, but meaning "to flash" or "to flame"), *phlóx* fundamentally signifies a "flame," "blaze," or the visible, incandescent gaseous part of a fire.
* **Semantic Range:** While its literal meaning is consistent, in the New Testament, *phlóx* extends semantically to convey intensity, destructive power, divine presence, and particularly, divine judgment. It is distinct from *pyr* `{{G4442}}`, the more general term for "fire," in that *phlóx* specifically emphasizes the active, visible manifestation of the burning element.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *phlóx* appears six times in the New Testament, each instance contributing significantly to its theological weight:
1. **[[Luke 16:24]]**: "And 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 tormented in this [[flame]].'"
* Here, *phlóx* vividly describes the intense, burning torment experienced by the rich man in Hades. It underscores the active and consuming nature of the suffering, emphasizing its fiery, excruciating quality.
2. **[[2 Thessalonians 1:8]]**: "in flaming [[fire]] taking vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus."
* This passage speaks of the Lord Jesus being revealed from heaven "in flaming *phlóx* of fire." The phrase "flaming fire" (ἐν φλογὶ πυρός) is an intensifier, portraying the formidable, irresistible, and consuming nature of Christ's righteous judgment at His second coming. It signifies the active, visible, and purifying power unleashed against the disobedient.
3. **[[Hebrews 1:7]]**: "And of the angels He says, 'Who makes His angels spirits and His ministers a [[flame]] of fire.'"
* Quoting from Psalm 104:4 (LXX), this verse applies *phlóx* to angels, describing their nature or function as God's ministers. The imagery of "a flame of fire" conveys their swiftness, power, purity, and their role as agents of divine will, often in judgment or revelation. It speaks to their ethereal yet potent presence when acting on God's behalf.
4. **[[Revelation 1:14]]**: "His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow; and His eyes were like a [[flame]] of fire."
* Part of John's vision of the glorified Christ. The description of Christ's "eyes like a flame of fire" (οἱ ὀφθαλμοὶ αὐτοῦ ὡς φλὸξ πυρός) signifies His penetrating insight, divine omniscience, and His all-consuming holiness and judgmental authority. His gaze is not merely seeing, but discerning, judging, and purifying.
5. **[[Revelation 2:18]]**: "And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a [[flame]] of fire and His feet like fine brass."
* This reiterates the imagery from [[Revelation 1:14]], specifically addressing the church in Thyatira. The "eyes like a flame of fire" here emphasize Christ's penetrating scrutiny and impending judgment upon the church that tolerated sin, reinforcing the theme of divine discernment and accountability.
6. **[[Revelation 19:12]]**: "His eyes were like a [[flame]] of fire, and on His head were many diadems. And He had a name written that no one knew except Himself."
* Again, describing Christ as the divine warrior and judge returning to conquer. The repeated "eyes like a flame of fire" reinforce His absolute authority, discerning power, and the awe-inspiring, consuming nature of His righteous wrath against all evil.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{G4442}}` πῦρ (pyr):** The most common Greek word for "fire," referring to the substance or element itself. *Phlóx* often occurs in conjunction with *pyr* (e.g., "flame of fire") to emphasize the active, visible, and intense manifestation of fire, making it a more specific and intense term than *pyr* alone.
* **`{{G2545}}` καίω (kaiō):** The verb "to burn" or "to set on fire," describing the action from which *phlóx* arises.
* **`{{H784}}` אֵשׁ (esh):** The Hebrew equivalent for "fire" in the Old Testament, frequently denoting God's presence (e.g., the burning bush, the pillar of fire), His judgment, or His purifying work. The Septuagint (LXX) often translates *esh* as *pyr*, and sometimes *phlóx* for specific emphasis on the flame's intensity.
* **Divine Judgment:** A central concept inextricably linked with *phlóx*, consistently portraying God's active and consuming wrath against unrighteousness.
* **Divine Presence and Holiness:** Fire, and specifically flame, is a common biblical motif for manifestations of God's awesome holiness and presence, signifying His purity and consuming nature.
* **Intensity and Power:** Inherent in the meaning of *phlóx* is a sense of powerful, active, and often destructive or purifying energy.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *phlóx* is profound, primarily underscoring the attributes of God and Christ, particularly in relation to judgment and divine presence:
1. **The Nature of Divine Judgment:** The most prominent theological theme associated with *phlóx* is divine judgment. In [[Luke 16:24]], it vividly depicts the torment of the unrighteous in the afterlife. In [[2 Thessalonians 1:8]], it portrays the formidable and inescapable manifestation of Christ's righteous vengeance at His second coming. This is not a passive judgment, but an active, consuming, and terrifying display of divine wrath.
2. **Holiness and Purity of God:** While destructive to the unholy, fire in Scripture also symbolizes God's absolute holiness and purifying power. Christ's "eyes like a flame of fire" signify His perfect discernment, His intolerance of sin, and His role as a purifying agent for His church and a consuming force against His enemies.
3. **Attributes of Divine Agents:** The description of angels as "a flame of fire" in [[Hebrews 1:7]] speaks to their nature as powerful, swift, and zealous ministers of God's will, capable of executing His judgments and performing His commands with consuming zeal.
4. **Omniscience and Scrutiny of Christ:** The recurring imagery of Christ's "eyes like a flame of fire" ([[Revelation 1:14]], [[Revelation 2:18]], [[Revelation 19:12]]) profoundly emphasizes His omniscience, His penetrating gaze that sees into the deepest recesses of human hearts and actions, and His righteous authority to judge all things. Nothing is hidden from His sight.
5. **Consuming Power of God:** *Phlóx* underscores the active, irresistible, and consuming aspect of divine power, whether for the destruction of evil, the purification of His people, or the display of His glorious presence.
### Summary
The Greek word *phlóx* (`{{G5395}}`) denotes a "flame" or "blaze," emphasizing the visible, active, and intense aspect of fire. Though appearing sparingly in the New Testament, its occurrences carry immense theological weight. It is consistently employed to describe the consuming nature of divine judgment, whether in the torment of Hades ([[Luke 16:24]]) or the terrifying manifestation of Christ's return to execute vengeance ([[2 Thessalonians 1:8]]). Furthermore, *phlóx* highlights the attributes of God and Christ, particularly their penetrating omniscience and righteous authority, as powerfully depicted in Christ's "eyes like a flame of fire" ([[Revelation 1:14]]; [[Revelation 2:18]]; [[Revelation 19:12]]). It also describes the powerful and zealous nature of God's angelic ministers ([[Hebrews 1:7]]). Distinct from the more general term *pyr* (`{{G4442}}`), *phlóx* specifically points to the active, visible, and often destructive or purifying manifestation of divine power and holiness. Its usage underscores the solemn reality of God's consuming presence and His ultimate, righteous judgment.
TRV