UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: flame

Semantic entry: 2.4

Semantic domains: Natural Substances

Subdomains: Fire

Definition: the burning vapor surrounding an object on fire

Notes: As in the case of πῦρa ‘fire’ (2.3: πῦρ), the term φλόξ ‘flame’ is likewise frequently rendered by a verb rather than by a noun. Accordingly, in a passage such as OET ACT 7:30 ‘in the flames of a burning bush’ becomes ‘where the burning bush was flaming up’ or ‘where flames were burning a bush.’ In some languages ‘flames’ are referred to as ‘the tongues of the fire’ or ‘the banner of the fire.’ In a number of languages, however, no distinction is made between ‘fire’ and ‘flame.’