The noun phiale ('bowl, libation vessel') denotes a broad, shallow cup originally associated with drink-offerings in Greek religious practice. In classical usage it was the standard vessel for pouring libations to the gods. The New Testament confines all twelve occurrences to the book of Revelation, where the bowls take on two symbolic functions. First, in Revelation 5:8, the twenty-four elders hold golden bowls 'full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.' Second and predominantly, the seven golden bowls of God's wrath are poured out upon the earth in a devastating sequence of judgments (Rev 15:7; 16:1-4, 8, 10, 12, 17; 17:1; 21:9). Spanish copa, French coupe, and German Schale render both uses with one term.