1823. exastraptó

Lexical Summary

exastraptó: To flash like lightning, to gleam, to shine brightly

Original Word: ἐξαστράπτω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: exastraptó
Pronunciation: eks-as-trap'-to
Phonetic Spelling: (ex-as-trap'-to)
KJV: glistening
NASB: gleaming
Word Origin: [from G1537 (ἐκ - among) and G797 (ἀστράπτω - dazzling)]

1. to lighten forth
2. (figuratively) to be radiant (of very white garments)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

glistening.

From ek and astrapto; to lighten forth, i.e. (figuratively) to be radiant (of very white garments) -- glistening.

see GREEK ek

see GREEK astrapto

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from ek and astraptó
Definition
to flash or gleam like lightning, be radiant
NASB Translation
gleaming (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 1823: ἐξαστράπτω

ἐξαστράπτω.

1. properly, to send forth lightning, to lighten.

2. to flash out like lightning, to shine, be radiant: of garments, Luke 9:29; (of gleaming arms, Nahum 3:3; Ezekiel 1:4, 7; φόβῳ καί κάλλει πολλῷ Tryphiodor. 103; (cf. Winer's Grammar, 102 (97))).

Topical Lexicon

Exastrapto (Strong’s Greek 1823) – Lightning-like Radiance

Overview of Meaning

A sudden, overwhelming brilliance that bursts forth like lightning, conveying supernatural revelation and divine presence.

Biblical Occurrence

Luke 9:29 — “As He was praying, the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning.”

Theological Significance

• Connects Jesus with Old Testament theophanies (Exodus 19:16; Ezekiel 1:13-14).
• Confirms His full deity (Colossians 2:9).
• Previews the glory of His return (Matthew 24:27; Revelation 1:14-16).

Association with Divine Glory

The light comes from above, signifying that the holy radiance once limited to the sanctuary now resides in the incarnate Son (Luke 9:35).

Christological Implications

1. Affirms Sonship first announced at the baptism (Luke 3:22).
2. Foreshadows resurrection splendor seen in angels (Luke 24:4) and in post-ascension visions (Acts 9:3).
3. Unites Law and Prophets in Christ (Luke 9:30-31; Hebrews 1:1-3).

Eschatological Resonance

Anticipates the sudden, universal visibility of the Parousia: “Just as the lightning flashes… so will the Son of Man be in His day” (Luke 17:24).

Ministerial Application

• Worship — fosters reverence (Hebrews 12:28-29).
• Transformation — motivates growth “from glory to glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18).
• Preaching — illustrates the gospel light (2 Corinthians 4:6).
• Hope — anchors confidence in Christ’s return (2 Peter 1:16-19).

Historical Interpretation

Irenaeus saw the radiant garment as the Shekinah. Medieval writers linked it to Psalm 104:2. Reformers highlighted it as proof of Christ’s sufficiency. Contemporary scholars maintain its apocalyptic linkage.

Related Biblical Imagery

Matthew 28:3; Mark 9:3; Acts 10:30; Revelation 18:1 — all describe lightning-like brilliance accompanying heavenly beings.

Key Scriptures for Study

Exodus 19:16; Psalm 104:2; Ezekiel 1:13-14; Daniel 10:6; Matthew 17:2; Luke 9:29; Luke 24:4; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 2 Peter 1:16-19; Revelation 1:14-16.

Summary

Exastrapto captures the moment when Christ’s eternal glory pierced the earthly veil, validating His identity and foreshadowing His triumphant return. It remains a beacon directing believers to the One who “is the radiance of God’s glory” (Hebrews 1:3).

Forms and Transliterations

εξαστράπτον εξαστραπτόντων εξαστραπτων εξαστράπτων ἐξαστράπτων εξατιμωθήση exastrapton exastraptōn exastrápton exastráptōn

Englishman's Concordance

Luke 9:29 V-PPA-NMS
GRK: αὐτοῦ λευκὸς ἐξαστράπτων
NAS: [became] white [and] gleaming.
KJV: raiment [was] white [and] glistering.
INT: of him white became dazzling

Strong's Greek 1823
1 Occurrence

ἐξαστράπτων — 1 Occ.