UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: charcoal

Semantic entry: 3.67

Semantic domains: Plants

Subdomains: Wood and Wood Products

Notes: ἄνθραξ occurs in the NT only in OET ROM 12:20 in the adage ἄνθρακας πυρὸς σωρεύσεις ἐπὶ τὴν κεφαλὴν αὐτοῦ ‘heap coals of fire on his head.’ This idiomatic expression probably refers to making someone blush with shame and remorse (see 25.199: σωρεύω).|In rendering ἄνθρακας πυρός it is not necessary to use a word which specifically refers to ‘flaming charcoal.’ What is important is that the embers be understood as ‘fiery embers’ or ‘hot ashes’ or ‘burning ashes.’