Romans 12:20

Feed him (pswmize auton). Quotation from LXX text of Proverbs 25:21 . Present active imperative of verb from pswmo, a morsel, and so to feed crumbs to babies, then to feed in general. In N.T. only here and 1 Corinthians 13:3 . Thou shalt heap (swreusei). Future active of old verb swreuw from swro, a heap. In N.T. only here and 2 Timothy 3:6 . Coals of fire (anqraka puro). 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.