Lexical Summary hélios: Sun Original Word: ἥλιος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance east, sun, light.From hele (a ray; perhaps akin to the alternate of haireomai); the sun; by implication, light -- + east, sun. see GREEK haireomai NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. word Definition the sun NASB Translation east* (1), sun (31). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2246: ἥλιοςἥλιος, ἡλίου, ὁ (often anarthrous, Winers Grammar, 120 (114); Buttmann, 89 (78)) (ἕλη (root us to burn, cf. Curtius, § 612)); the Sept. for שֶׁמֶשׁ; the sun: Matthew 5:45; Matthew 13:43; Mark 13:24; Luke 4:40; Luke 21:25; Acts 26:13; 1 Corinthians 15:41; Revelation 1:16, etc. equivalent to the rays of the sun, Revelation 7:16; equivalent to the light of day: μή βλέπων τόν ἥλιον, of a blind man, Acts 13:11. Topical Lexicon Identification and General Concept The Greek noun ἥλιος denotes the physical sun, the central luminary that God placed “to govern the day” (cf. Genesis 1:16). In the New Testament it is used both literally and figuratively, drawing upon the consistent Old Testament witness that the sun displays the faithfulness, power, and glory of the Creator. Creation Theology and Cosmology Jesus affirms the original purpose of the sun when He teaches that the Father “causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good” (Matthew 5:45). The regular rising and setting emphasize divine order (Mark 1:32; Mark 16:2). Paul echoes that order in 1 Corinthians 15:41, noting the distinct splendor God has given to the sun, moon, and stars, underscoring the Creator’s sovereignty over all celestial bodies. The Sun as a Sign of God’s Providence Everyday cycles of warmth and light supply an enduring lesson in common grace. The scorching heat that withers plants (James 1:11) and the brightness that blinds Saul (Acts 26:13) alike testify to divine power. Daily life illustrations such as “do not let the sun set upon your anger” (Ephesians 4:26) apply cosmic regularity to personal holiness, urging reconciliation before nightfall. The Sun in Eschatological Prophecy Several texts employ the sun to herald climactic judgment: These scenes reveal that the sun itself, normally a blessing, becomes an instrument of wrath when humanity persists in rebellion. The Sun and Christological Imagery Christ is repeatedly compared to the brilliance of the sun: The metaphor reaches its climax in the promise that “the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (Matthew 13:43), grounding eschatological hope in union with the glorified Christ. Symbolism in Revelation The Apocalypse employs ἥλιος eleven times, weaving literal and symbolic threads: Apostolic and Pastoral Usage Luke, Mark, and Acts record practical observations—sunset as the close of the Sabbath (Mark 1:32), dawn marking resurrection discovery (Mark 16:2), or navigation crises when “neither sun nor stars appeared for many days” (Acts 27:20). These details root the gospel accounts in verifiable time and space while subtly reminding readers that the same God who sets the sun’s course directs redemptive history. Historical and Cultural Background In Greco-Roman culture the sun was venerated (e.g., Helios, Sol Invictus). The New Testament neither deifies nor personifies it; instead, it firmly assigns the sun its rightful place as a created servant. By juxtaposing the sun’s grandeur with scenes of divine judgment and Christ’s superior glory, Scripture dismantles any claim the celestial body might make to worship. Practical and Ministry Applications 1. Assurance: As surely as the sun rises, God keeps covenant promises. Related Biblical Themes • Light versus darkness (John 8:12; 1 John 1:5). The thirty-two New Testament uses of ἥλιος thus move from daily experience to cosmic climax, consistently portraying the sun as a faithful witness to God’s providence, an instrument in His judgments, and a pointer beyond itself to the surpassing glory of Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations ηλιον ήλιον ἥλιον ηλιος ήλιος ήλιός ἥλιος ηλιου ηλίου ἡλίου ηλιω ηλίω ἡλίῳ elio ēliō elion ēlion elios ēlios eliou ēliou helio hēliō helíoi hēlíōi helion hēlion hḗlion helios hēlios hḗlios heliou helíou hēliou hēlíouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Matthew 5:45 N-AMSGRK: ὅτι τὸν ἥλιον αὐτοῦ ἀνατέλλει NAS: for He causes His sun to rise KJV: he maketh his sun to rise on INT: for the sun of him he causes to rise Matthew 13:6 N-GMS Matthew 13:43 N-NMS Matthew 17:2 N-NMS Matthew 24:29 N-NMS Mark 1:32 N-NMS Mark 4:6 N-NMS Mark 13:24 N-NMS Mark 16:2 N-GMS Luke 4:40 N-GMS Luke 21:25 N-DMS Luke 23:45 N-GMS Acts 2:20 N-NMS Acts 13:11 N-AMS Acts 26:13 N-GMS Acts 27:20 N-GMS 1 Corinthians 15:41 N-GMS Ephesians 4:26 N-NMS James 1:11 N-NMS Revelation 1:16 N-NMS Revelation 6:12 N-NMS Revelation 7:2 N-GMS Revelation 7:16 N-NMS Revelation 8:12 N-GMS Revelation 9:2 N-NMS Strong's Greek 2246 |
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