φλογίζω
phlogízō
G5394 verb
SILEX Entry
Definition
To set on fire, to kindle, to cause to burn; in figurative usage, to inflame or incite (as with emotion or passion). Primary sense involves causing something to blaze or ignite, either literally (to kindle a physical fire) or metaphorically (to provoke intense emotion or fervor). Contextual senses in Koine include both concrete and figurative uses, such as stirring up fervor, anger, or zeal.
Semantic Range
to cause to burn, to kindle, to set ablaze, to ignite, to incite (emotion, passion), to inflame (figuratively), to provoke fervor
Root / Etymology
From the noun φλόξ (phlox, 'flame, blaze'), derived via the verbal suffix -ίζω, indicating causing an action related to the noun; thus φλογίζω means 'to make a flame' or 'to cause to blaze.'
Historical & Contextual Notes
φλογίζω is rare and primarily appears in Koine literature, notably in the LXX and New Testament (e.g., Jas 3:6), conveying both literal setting on fire and metaphorical incitement. The figurative sense—particularly in the New Testament—often conveys an intensification beyond mere participation, suggesting that something is thoroughly kindled or inflamed (as in James 3:6, the tongue 'sets on fire' the course of life). The focus is on the causative aspect: not merely being on fire, but instigating or spreading fire (literal or figurative). Unlike related verbs such as καίω (to burn), φλογίζω typically conveys the act of igniting or setting ablaze, with emphasis on origin or agency. In English translations, the figurative sense is frequently rendered as 'set ablaze' or 'incite,' though these may understate the causative nuance present in the Greek. The term is seldom found in classical Greek, gaining prominence in later (Hellenistic and Christian) texts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from φλόξ; to cause a blaze, i.e. ignite (figuratively, to inflame with passion):--set on fire.
Root Family
φλογίζω (phlogizō) — to ignite, to kindle, to set on fire
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G5394-01 |
φλογιζομένη | phlogizomene | V PRS PASS PTCP NOM F SG |
is set on fire | being set ablaze | being set on fire | 1 |
G5394-02 |
φλογίζουσα | phlogizousa | V PRS ACT PTCP NOM F SG |
sets on fire | igniting | setting on fire | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences