Rom 12:20 | RWP | e4.org | Feed him ( ψωμιζε αυτον ). Quotation from LXX text of . Present active imperative of verb from ψωμος , a morsel, and so to feed crumbs to babies, then to feed in general. In N.T. only here and . Thou shalt heap ( σωρευσεις ). Future active of old verb σωρευω from σωρος , a heap. In N.T. only here and . Coals of fire ( ανθρακας πυρος ). That is, burning or live coals. Anthrax (our "anthracite") is an old word, only here in N.T. It is a metaphor for keen anguish. The Arabs have a proverb "coals in the heart," "fire in the liver." Such kindness may lead to repentance also.

‏ Romans 12:20

Feed him ( ψωμιζε αυτον ). Quotation from LXX text of Pr 25:21f. Present active imperative of verb from ψωμος, a morsel, and so to feed crumbs to babies, then to feed in general. In N.T. only here and 1Co 13:3.

Thou shalt heap ( σωρευσεις ). Future active of old verb σωρευω from σωρος, a heap. In N.T. only here and 2Ti 3:6.

Coals of fire ( ανθρακας πυρος ). That is, burning or live coals.

Anthrax (our "anthracite") is an old word, only here in N.T. It is a metaphor for keen anguish. The Arabs have a proverb "coals in the heart," "fire in the liver." Such kindness may lead to repentance also.