Lexical Summary epiphauskó: To dawn, to shine upon Original Word: ἐπιφαύσκω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance give light. A form of epiphaino; to illuminate (figuratively) -- give light. see GREEK epiphaino HELPS Word-studies 2017 epiphaúō (from 1909 /epí, "on" and phauō, "to shine") – properly, to shine on, i.e. in a suitable (apt) manner. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom epiphóskó Definition to shine forth NASB Translation shine (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2017: ἐπιφαύσκωἐπιφαύσκω (equivalent to the ἐπιφώσκω of Greek writings, cf. Winers Grammar, 90 (85); Buttmann, 67 (59)): future ἐπιφαύσω; to shine upon: τίνι, Ephesians 5:14, where the meaning is, Christ will pour upon thee the light of divine truth as the sun gives light to men aroused from sleep. (Job 25:5; Job 31:26; (Job 41:9); Acta Thomae § 34.) Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence and Immediate Context Only once does the New Testament employ the verb translated “will shine upon” (Strong’s Greek 2017), and that is in Ephesians 5:14: “Wake up, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” The statement concludes Paul’s appeal that believers separate from deeds of darkness and “walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). By promising that Christ Himself will shine, the apostle anchors ethical exhortation in divine enablement: illumination follows obedience. Old Testament Background Paul’s wording echoes Isaiah 60:1, “Arise, shine, for your light has come,” and alludes to prophecies that portray the Messiah as dawning light (Isaiah 9:2; Malachi 4:2). In the Hebrew Scriptures light symbolizes God’s presence, revelation, righteousness, and salvation; darkness signifies ignorance and rebellion. Ephesians 5:14 therefore stands in continuity with a redemptive pattern in which God dispels darkness by His own radiant glory. Christological Emphasis Ephesians 5:14 centers the action on the risen Christ: He alone dispels spiritual night. This correlates with John 8:12, “I am the Light of the world,” and with 2 Corinthians 4:6, where God “has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” The verse thus testifies both to Christ’s supremacy and to His active, personal involvement in awakening sinners and reviving saints. Soteriological and Sanctification Themes The call to awake and rise evokes resurrection imagery, underscoring conversion as a passage from death to life (Romans 6:4). Yet the addressees are already believers (Ephesians 1:1), suggesting that ongoing sanctification requires renewed reception of Christ’s light. The verb therefore bridges initial salvation and continual growth: gospel light justifies, then progressively transforms. Corporate and Missional Dimensions Paul addresses the church, not merely individuals. When the gathered body discerns and exposes “the fruitless deeds of darkness” (Ephesians 5:11), the living Christ shines on the whole community, enabling its public witness. Consequently the verse informs preaching, discipleship, and church discipline, reminding congregations that moral clarity arises only under Christ’s present illumination. Historical Reception Early Christian writers regarded Ephesians 5:14 as a baptismal hymn, sung during the rite in which catechumens—formerly “dead”—emerged to new life under Christ’s light. John Chrysostom linked the shining to post-baptismal enlightenment that equips believers for spiritual warfare. Medieval commentators preserved the verse’s liturgical use at Easter vigils. Reformers emphasized its summons to awaken from nominal religion, and evangelical revivals have often adopted it in calls to renewed holiness. Practical Ministry Applications 1. Evangelism: The verse frames gospel proclamation as calling sleepers to rise so Christ may shine. Related New Testament Light Motifs • John 1:4-9 – Life in the Word manifested as light. These passages amplify the promise that Christ not only imparts light but is Himself the light to which all others point. Eschatological Outlook The present shining anticipates a consummate revelation when “the morning star rises in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19) and “night will be no more” (Revelation 22:5). Therefore Ephesians 5:14 encourages vigilance until the day of full, unmediated glory. Summary Strong’s Greek 2017 in Ephesians 5:14 captures the moment the risen Christ personally illuminates awakened believers. Rooted in prophetic expectation, fulfilled in Jesus’ redemptive work, and operative in the church’s mission, the shining of Christ sustains sanctification now and pledges an eternal radiance yet to come. Forms and Transliterations επιφαυσει επιφαύσει ἐπιφαύσει επιφαύσκει επιφαύσκεται επιφαύσκοντα epiphausei epiphaúseiLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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