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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Charcoal</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/c/charcoal.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/john/18-18.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/c/charcoal.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Charcoal</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/c/charchus.htm" title="Charchus">◄</a> Charcoal <a href="/topical/c/charcoal_and_embers.htm" title="Charcoal and Embers">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#web" title="Webster's Dictionary">Webster's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#grk" title="Strong's Greek Concordance">Greek</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>Charcoal, a form of carbonized wood, is a substance that has been used since ancient times for various purposes, including fuel and art. In the context of the Bible, charcoal is primarily associated with its use as a fuel source for cooking and heating. While the Bible does not explicitly mention charcoal by name, it does refer to burning coals, which are often understood to include charcoal.<br><br><b>Biblical References and Context</b><br><br>1. <b>Fuel for Cooking and Sacrifices</b>: In the ancient Near East, charcoal was a common fuel source due to its ability to produce a steady and intense heat. This made it ideal for cooking and for use in sacrificial offerings. In <a href="/isaiah/44-15.htm">Isaiah 44:15-16</a>, the prophet speaks of a man who uses part of a tree to make a fire: "It is fuel for man. He takes some of it and warms himself; he kindles a fire and bakes bread." This passage highlights the practical use of wood and its byproducts, such as charcoal, in daily life.<br><br>2. <b>Symbol of Judgment and Purification</b>: Burning coals are often used symbolically in the Bible to represent judgment or purification. In <a href="/isaiah/6-6.htm">Isaiah 6:6-7</a>, a seraphim touches Isaiah's lips with a live coal from the altar, saying, "Behold, this has touched your lips; your iniquity is taken away, and your sin is atoned for." Here, the burning coal signifies the cleansing and purifying power of God.<br><br>3. <b>Imagery of Divine Presence</b>: In <a href="/ezekiel/1-13.htm">Ezekiel 1:13</a>, the prophet describes the appearance of the living creatures in his vision: "The appearance of the living creatures was like burning coals of fire or like torches." This imagery conveys the intense and consuming presence of God, often associated with fire and burning coals.<br><br>4. <b>Metaphor for Kindness and Repentance</b>: In <a href="/proverbs/25-21.htm">Proverbs 25:21-22</a>, the act of showing kindness to one's enemy is likened to heaping burning coals on their head: "If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you." This metaphor suggests that acts of kindness can lead to repentance and transformation.<br><br><b>Cultural and Historical Significance</b><br><br>In biblical times, charcoal was an essential resource for daily life. Its ability to burn at high temperatures made it valuable for cooking, metalworking, and other crafts. The production of charcoal involved a process of slow-burning wood in a low-oxygen environment, a technique that has been used for millennia.<br><br>Charcoal's role in biblical symbolism is significant, as it often represents the transformative power of God's presence and action. Whether through purification, judgment, or the prompting of repentance, the imagery of burning coals serves as a powerful reminder of the divine influence in the lives of individuals and communities.<br><br><b>Conclusion</b><br><br>While not explicitly named in the Bible, charcoal's presence is felt through the frequent mention of burning coals and their symbolic meanings. Its practical uses and symbolic significance underscore its importance in the biblical narrative and the daily lives of the people in ancient times.<a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>1. (<I>v. t.</I>) Impure carbon prepared from vegetable or animal substances; esp., coal made by charring wood in a kiln, retort, etc., from which air is excluded. It is used for fuel and in various mechanical, artistic, and chemical processes.<p>2. (<I>v. t.</I>) Finely prepared charcoal in small sticks, used as a drawing implement.<a name="grk" id="grk"></a><div class="vheading2">Greek</div><a href="/greek/440.htm"><span class="l">440. anthrax -- coal, <b>charcoal</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> coal, <b>charcoal</b>. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: anthrax Phonetic<br> Spelling: (anth'-rax) Short Definition: a coal Definition: coal, <b>charcoal</b>, a <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/440.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p><a href="/greek/439.htm"><span class="l">439. anthrakia -- a heap of burning coals</span></a> <br><b>...</b> burning coals. Word Origin from anthrax Definition a heap of burning coals<br> NASB Word Usage <b>charcoal</b> fire (2). fire of coals. From <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/439.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/6352.htm"><span class="l">6352. pecham -- coal</span></a><br><b>...</b> Short Definition: coals. Word Origin from an unused word Definition coal<br> NASB Word Usage <b>charcoal</b> (1), coals (2). coals. Perhaps from <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/6352.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 5k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/augustine/city_of_god/chapter_4_examples_from_nature_proving.htm"><span class="l">Examples from Nature Proving that Bodies May Remain Unconsumed and <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> Then what wonderful properties do we find in <b>charcoal</b>, which is so brittle that<br> a light tap breaks it and a slight pressure pulverizes it, and yet is so strong <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 4 examples from nature proving.htm</font><p><a href="/library/boudreaux/the_happiness_of_heaven/chapter_v_the_beauty_and.htm"><span class="l">The Beauty and Glory of the Risen Body.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> It is nothing more than crystallized carbon, or <b>charcoal</b>. <b>...</b> In scientific language<br> they are called carbon or <b>charcoal</b>, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../boudreaux/the happiness of heaven/chapter v the beauty and.htm</font><p><a href="/library/kingsley/the_gospel_of_the_pentateuch/sermon_xvi_national_wealth.htm"><span class="l">National Wealth</span></a> <br><b>...</b> Then they found that there was iron, principally down south, in Sussex and Surrey;<br> and they worked it, clumsily enough, with <b>charcoal</b>; and for more than twelve <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon xvi national wealth.htm</font><p><a href="/library/thaumaturgus/the_oration_and_panegyric_addressed_to_origen/argument_ii_he_essays_to_speak.htm"><span class="l">He Essays to Speak of the Well-Nigh Divine Endowments of Origen in <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> whether as never having been possessed of them, or, it may be, as having lost<br> them"are under the necessity of using, as it were, only <b>charcoal</b> and tiles <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../argument ii he essays to speak.htm</font><p><a href="/library/john/exposition_of_the_orthodox_faith/chapter_iii_in_reply_to_those.htm"><span class="l">In Reply to those who Say "If Christ Has Two Natures, Either Ye do <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> just as wood in itself [2258] is not of such a nature that it cannot be touched,<br> but becomes so when fire is applied to it, and it becomes <b>charcoal</b>, and yet <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../john/exposition of the orthodox faith/chapter iii in reply to those.htm</font><p><a href="/library/pink/the_redeemers_return/4_the_transformation_of_each.htm"><span class="l">The Transformation of Each Believer into the Image of Our <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> Scientists tell us that the little sparkling diamond which we admire so much, was<br> once a piece of carbon, a fragment of <b>charcoal</b> which has undergone a <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../pink/the redeemers return/4 the transformation of each.htm</font><p><a href="/library/newton/the_life_of_jesus_christ_for_the_young/the_apostles_chosen.htm"><span class="l">The Apostles Chosen</span></a> <br><b>...</b> "The <b>Charcoal</b> Carrier." One Sunday afternoon <b>...</b> As she sat reading, a man, well known<br> in that neighborhood as Jacob, the <b>charcoal</b> carrier, came by with his donkey. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/the apostles chosen.htm</font><p><a href="/library/singh/at_the_masters_feet/section_i_the_disciple_.htm"><span class="l">The Disciple, -- O Master, Fountain of Life! Why Dost Thou Hide <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> 9. Take a piece of <b>charcoal</b>, and however much you may wash it its blackness will<br> not disappear, but let the fire enter into it and its dark colour vanishes. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/singh/at the masters feet/section i the disciple .htm</font><p><a href="/library/singh/at_the_masters_feet/section_ii_the_disciple__3.htm"><span class="l">The Disciple, -- Master, Some People Say that the Comfort and Joy <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> As in <b>charcoal</b> there is a natural fitness to receive fire, but without oxygen the<br> fire cannot enter it, so unless the oxygen of the Holy Spirit finds an <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../christianbookshelf.org/singh/at the masters feet/section ii the disciple 3.htm</font><p><a href="/library/mcgarvey/the_four-fold_gospel/cxxvii_peter_thrice_denies_the.htm"><span class="l">Peter Thrice Denies the Lord.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> fire of coals; for it was cold; and they were warming themselves: and Peter also<br> was with them [they were gathered around a little smokeless <b>charcoal</b> fire], ^c <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxvii peter thrice denies the.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/c/charcoal.htm"><span class="l"><b>Charcoal</b> (3 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 2. (vt) Finely prepared <b>charcoal</b> in small sticks, used as a drawing implement.<br> Multi-Version Concordance <b>Charcoal</b> (3 Occurrences). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/charcoal.htm - 7k</font><p><a href="/topical/c/coal.htm"><span class="l">Coal (7 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Their common fuel was dried dung of animals and wood <b>charcoal</b>. <b>...</b> 3. (vt) To burn to<br><b>charcoal</b>; to char. 4. (vt) To mark or delineate with <b>charcoal</b>. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/c/coal.htm - 14k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/botany.htm"><span class="l">Botany</span></a><br><b>...</b> At a greater distance, as for example in the once extensive forests East of the<br> Jordan, a terrible destruction is being wrought by the <b>charcoal</b> burners. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/botany.htm - 38k</font><p><a href="/topical/j/juniper.htm"><span class="l">Juniper (7 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> "The Bedawin of Sinai still burn this very plant into a <b>charcoal</b> which throws<br> out the most intense heat.". Noah Webster's Dictionary. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/j/juniper.htm - 11k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/fuel.htm"><span class="l">Fuel (13 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> excrements (Ezek. 4:12-15; 15:4, 6; 21:32). Wood or <b>charcoal</b> is much used<br> still in all the towns of Syria and Egypt. It is largely <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/fuel.htm - 12k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/burn.htm"><span class="l">Burn (206 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> for obtaining a desired residuum, product, or effect; to bake; as, to burn clay<br> in making bricks or pottery; to burn wood so as to produce <b>charcoal</b>; to burn <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/burn.htm - 43k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/fire.htm"><span class="l">Fire (602 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> For the sacrificial fire wood was used as fuel (Genesis 22:3, 1 Leviticus 6:12);<br> for ordinary purposes, also <b>charcoal</b> (Proverbs 25:22 Isaiah 6:6, the Revised <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/fire.htm - 78k</font><p><a href="/topical/l/landed.htm"><span class="l">Landed (10 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> (See NIV). John 21:9 As soon as they landed, they saw a <b>charcoal</b> fire burning<br> there, with fish broiling on it, and bread close by. (WEY NIV). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/l/landed.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/l/lighted.htm"><span class="l">Lighted (36 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> John 18:18 Now because it was cold the servants and the police had lighted a <b>charcoal</b><br> fire, and were standing and warming themselves; and Peter too remained <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/l/lighted.htm - 16k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/finery.htm"><span class="l">Finery (2 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 3. (n.) A <b>charcoal</b> hearth or furnace for the conversion of cast iron into wrought<br> iron, or into iron suitable for puddling. Multi-Version Concordance <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/finery.htm - 7k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://clyx.com/term/charcoal.htm">Charcoal: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Charcoal (3 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/john/18-18.htm">John 18:18</a></span><br />Now because it was cold the servants and the police had lighted a <span class="boldtext">charcoal</span> fire, and were standing and warming themselves; and Peter too remained with them, standing and warming himself.<br /><span class="source">(WEY NAS RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/john/21-9.htm">John 21:9</a></span><br />As soon as they landed, they saw a <span class="boldtext">charcoal</span> fire burning there, with fish broiling on it, and bread close by.<br /><span class="source">(WEY NAS RSV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/proverbs/26-21.htm">Proverbs 26:21</a></span><br />Like breath on coals and wood on fire, so a man given to argument gets a fight started.<br /><span class="source">(See NAS RSV NIV)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/c/charcoal.htm">Charcoal</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/charcoal.htm">Charcoal (3 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/charge.htm">Charge (379 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/harsha.htm">Harsha (4 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/c/charchus.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Charchus"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Charchus" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/c/charcoal_and_embers.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Charcoal and Embers"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Charcoal and Embers" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>