[Greek] ἄνθραξ (anthrax), [Latin] carbones, [Swedish] kol: coal, charcoal, cause to be ashamed; Rom.12:20
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term means charcoal, coal, precious dark stone, and malignant pustule (boil). Archanae, one of the regions of Greece, was the center of the Athenian charcoal burning industry. Aristophanes’ Archanians 322 states “I have the hostages of Archanae. I shall disembowel them. Let us see whether you have any love for your coals.” Aristophanes 348 states “The poor basket was so frightful, look, it has shed a thick black dust over me.” (Diakaiopolis and his household are set upon by a mob of charcoal burners from Archarnae. Diakaiopolis takes a basket of coal hostage. The Archanians agree to leave only if he spares the charcoal).
Old Testament: This term can mean dark gum resin, coal, dark emerald, hot stone, and black dust. This term makes reference to the sixth plague on Egypt (Exo.9:9-10). The Lord instructs Moses and Aaron to take black soot from a kiln. In the presence of Pharaoh, Moses scatters this black dust into the sky. This black dust will cause festering boils on human beings and beast through Egypt. So the Lord said to Moses and Aaron: each of you take handfuls of soot from a kiln, and in the presence of Pharaoh let Moses scatter it toward the sky. It will turn into fine dust over the whole land of Egypt and cause festering boils on human being and beast alike throughout the land of Egypt (Exo.9:9)
New Testament: This term can mean charcoal and cause to be ashamed. In his address to the Romans, Paul instructs his followers to show mercy. Rather than taking justice in their own hands, God will take care of the matters of vengeance. Paul makes reference to Prov.25:21-22. Paul instructs others to feed and to provide drink to the enemy. These actions will be like metaphorically heaping burning coals on his head. You will make your enemy more distressed (embarrassed) by your acts of mercy. Perhaps, this will provide a stirring or burning on that person’s conscience.
“Rather, if your enemy is hungry, feed him’ if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by doing so you will heap burning coals upon his head.” Rom.12:20
These acts of mercy will stress, confound, and embarrass your enemy. This may also strike against his conscience.
Conclusion:
Anthrax, carbon, coal
At first glance, I thought this term only referred to the deadly bacteria anthrax. Yet, this term also refers to black and coal. I never thought that I would come across a passage where a basket of coal is taken hostage!
In the Old Testament, it is interesting to note how black powder (soot) could be used by God to create the 6th plague on Egypt. Perhaps, this is how God created anthrax.
In the New Testament, I can imagine many of us (including me) have not been very familiar with this expression “heaping burning coals” on someone. Perhaps, this was a way to fire up someone with shame and make them “burning hot” with embarrassment. (So don’t “rake anyone over the coals” for not knowing this.) ☺☺☺