Topical Encyclopedia
The term "inflame" in a biblical context often refers to the stirring up of emotions, passions, or actions, typically in a negative sense. It can denote the arousal of anger, lust, or other intense feelings that lead individuals away from righteousness and towards sin. The Bible provides numerous examples and warnings about the dangers of inflamed passions and the consequences they can bring.
Anger and WrathOne of the most common uses of "inflame" in Scripture is in relation to anger and wrath. The Bible frequently warns against allowing anger to take hold and lead to sin. In
Ephesians 4:26-27 , Paul advises, "Be angry, yet do not sin. Do not let the sun set upon your anger, and do not give the devil a foothold." This passage highlights the potential for anger to be inflamed into something more destructive if not controlled.
Proverbs 15:18 states, "A hot-tempered man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger calms a dispute." Here, the inflaming of anger is contrasted with the peace brought by patience and self-control. The inflamed anger leads to conflict and division, while restraint fosters harmony.
Lust and DesiresInflamed desires, particularly of a sexual nature, are also addressed in Scripture.
James 1:14-15 explains the progression of sin: "But each one is tempted when by his own evil desires he is lured away and enticed. Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." This passage illustrates how inflamed desires can lead to sinful actions and ultimately spiritual death.
The account of David and Bathsheba in
2 Samuel 11 serves as a cautionary tale of inflamed lust leading to a series of grievous sins, including adultery and murder. David's inability to control his inflamed desires resulted in severe consequences for himself and others.
Tongue and SpeechThe Bible also speaks of the tongue as a small member that can inflame great destruction.
James 3:5-6 warns, "In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body." This vivid imagery underscores the power of words to inflame situations, spread discord, and cause harm.
Jealousy and EnvyJealousy and envy are other emotions that can be inflamed, leading to destructive outcomes.
Proverbs 27:4 states, "Wrath is cruel and anger is like a flood, but who can withstand jealousy?" The inflaming of jealousy can lead to irrational behavior and conflict, as seen in the account of Joseph and his brothers in
Genesis 37. Their inflamed jealousy over Joseph's favored status led them to sell him into slavery.
Righteous IndignationWhile the Bible often warns against inflamed passions leading to sin, there are instances where righteous indignation is portrayed positively. Jesus' cleansing of the temple in
John 2:13-17 is an example where His inflamed zeal for God's house led to the expulsion of the money changers. This act was not born out of sinful anger but a holy passion for the sanctity of worship.
ConclusionThe concept of being inflamed in the Bible serves as a reminder of the importance of self-control and the dangers of allowing emotions and desires to lead us away from God's will. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, believers are called to exercise restraint and pursue righteousness, avoiding the pitfalls of inflamed passions.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
v. t.) To set on fire; to kindle; to cause to burn, flame, or glow.
2. (v. t.) Fig.: To kindle or intensify, as passion or appetite; to excite to an excessive or unnatural action or heat; as, to inflame desire.
3. (v. t.) To provoke to anger or rage; to exasperate; to irritate; to incense; to enrage.
4. (v. t.) To put in a state of inflammation; to produce morbid heat, congestion, or swelling, of; as, to inflame the eyes by overwork.
5. (v. t.) To exaggerate; to enlarge upon.
6. (v. i.) To grow morbidly hot, congested, or painful; to become angry or incensed.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
INFLAME; ENFLAMEin-flam', en-flam' (dalaq): "To inflame" in the meaning "to excite passion" is found inIsaiah 5:11, "till wine inflame them." In some the King James Version passages (e.g.Isaiah 57:5) we find "enflaming" with the same meaning; compare the King James Version Susanna verse 8 and Sirach 28:10 the King James Version (the Revised Version (British and American) "inflame").
Greek
5394. phlogizo from NG5395 -- set on fire.... Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: phlogizo from NG5395 Phonetic Spelling:
(flog-id'-zo) Short Definition: I
inflame, fire with passion Definition: I
inflame...1572. ekkaio -- to kindle, to be inflamed
... Word Origin from ek and kaio Definition to kindle, to be inflamed NASB Word Usage
burned (1). burn. From ek and kaio; toinflame deeply -- burn. see GREEK ek....
Strong's Hebrew
1814. dalaq -- to burn, hotly pursue... to burn, hotly pursue NASB Word Usage burning (1), chased (1), chasing (1), fiery
shafts (1), hotly pursue (1), hotly pursued (1),
inflame (1), kindle (1), set
...2552. chamam -- to be or become warm
... root Definition to be or become warm NASB Word Usage became warm (1), become heated
(1), grew hot (1), heat (1), hot (6),inflame (1), keep warm (3), mated (2...
6919. qadach -- to be kindled, kindle
... kindled (2), kindles (1). burn, kindle. A primitive root toinflame -- burn,
kindle. 6918, 6919. qadach. 6920 . Strong's Numbers.
Library
The Melitians and the Arians Agree in Sentiment; Eusebius and...
... Book II. Chapter XXI."The Melitians and the Arians agree in Sentiment; Eusebius
and Theognis endeavor toinflame anew the Disease of Arius....
Of the Anger of God, which Does notInflame his Mind, nor Disturb...
... Book XV. Chapter 25."Of the Anger of God, Which Does NotInflame His Mind,
Nor Disturb His Unchangeable Tranquillity. The anger...
The Sixteenth Chapter: we Should Show Our Needs to Christ and Ask...
... Feed Your hungry beggar.Inflame my coldness with the fire of Your love.
Enlighten my blindness with the brightness of Your presence....
The Same Pope Also Wrote to King Edwin's Consort...
... of the Lord, for that He has vouchsafed, in your confession, to kindle a spark of
the orthodox religion, by which He might the more easilyinflame with the...
A Daily Constant Exercise.
... Possess my memory and understanding, andinflame my will and affections with
Thy love....Inflame me with the fire of Thy most fervent love....
Of Meditation --The First Degree of Prayer or Mystical Theology.
... and by a most laborious occupation fill themselves with vanity, not being able to
resist curiosity: but there are few who meditate toinflame their heart with...
The Tongue.
... leaf, there is concentrated the quintessence of a poison so subtle that the microscope
cannot distinguish it, and yet so virulent that it caninflame the blood...
Epistle xxv. Moyses, Maximus, Nicostratus, and the Other...
... Cyprian's Letter. Martyrdom is Not a Punishment, But a Happiness. The Words
of the Gospel are Brands toInflame Faith. In the Case...
Acts xix. 21, 23
... theatre." (v.29). Such is the way with vulgar minds, any trivial occasion shall
hurry them away andinflame their passions. Therefore [983...
A Relation of My Imprisonment in the Month of November 1660
... His blessed grace, some encouragement by His blessing thereupon; the devil, that
old enemy of man's salvation, took his opportunity toinflame the hearts of...
Thesaurus
Inflame (3 Occurrences)... 2. (vt) Fig.: To kindle or intensify, as passion or appetite; to excite to an excessive
or unnatural action or heat; as, to
inflame desire.
...INFLAME; ENFLAME.
...Enflame
... Int. Standard Bible EncyclopediaINFLAME; ENFLAME. in-flam', en-flam'
(dalaq): "Toinflame" in the meaning "to excite passion" is...
Inflamed (8 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (imp. & pp) ofInflame. 2. (pa) Set on fire;
enkindled; heated; congested; provoked; exasperated. 3...
Incense (167 Occurrences)
... 1. (vt) To set on fire; toinflame; to kindle; to burn. 2. (vt) Toinflame with
anger; to enkindle; to fire; to incite; to provoke; to heat; to madden....
Infirmity (22 Occurrences)
Kindle (25 Occurrences)
... 3. (vt) Fig.: Toinflame, as the passions; to rouse; to provoke; to excite to action;
to heat; to fire; to animate; to incite; as, to kindle anger or wrath; to...
Oaks (14 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 57:5 you whoinflame yourselves among the oaks, under every green tree; who
kill the children in the valleys, under the clefts of the rocks?...
Leafy (22 Occurrences)
... (See JPS). Isaiah 57:5 ye thatinflame yourselves among the oaks, under every green
tree; that slay the children in the valleys, under the clefts of the rocks?...
Irritate (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (vt) To annoy; toinflame; to render null and
void. 2. (vt) To increase the action or violence of; to...
Fire (602 Occurrences)
... fire pottery. 12. (vt) Toinflame; to irritate, as the passions; as, to
fire the soul with anger, pride, or revenge. 13. (vt) To...
Resources
How should a Christian view fashion? | GotQuestions.orgAre the teachings of Witness Lee and the Local Church biblical? | GotQuestions.orgShould a Christian go to Prom / Homecoming? | GotQuestions.orgInflame: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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