Description and usage
The torch was a burning stick or bundle of sticks carried about as a light. In order to lengthen the time of burning, one end of the stick could be wrapped with cloth, which was soaked in a flammable substance such as pitch.
Translation
In modern British English, a “torch” is a handheld electric light powered by batteries, that is, a “flashlight” in American English. Such a word would be entirely out of place in the translation of the Bible.
JOB 41:13: Here the focus is on the flame, not on the torch that contains the flame, so for the first line of this verse GNT has “Flames blaze from his mouth.”
While the Greek word lampas most properly refers to a “torch,” in some places (for example, ACT 20:8; REV 4:5) some translations prefer the English derived term “lamp.”
Some languages may find it difficult to distinguish between “torches” and “lanterns” in JHN 18:3. It is possible to say “burning sticks and containers with small fires for light.” See also the discussion Lantern.
ACT 16:29: The jailer demanded that “lights” be brought, but the text does not indicate the specific instruments. Many languages will be able to follow the pattern of GNT and GECL by beginning this verse with “The jailer called for a light.” It is likely that torches from the entrance to the jail would have been most readily available. However, the intention of the jailer will be adequately expressed also with “The jailer called for someone to bring a lamp.”